JUBA, April 21 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) on Tuesday confirmed the recapture of Wunkur in the oil-rich Ruweng Administrative Area following clashes with the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) forces.
James Monyluak Mijok Thon, minister of information, culture, youth and sports of Ruweng Administrative Area, said the government forces restored full control of the strategic area on Monday evening.
"The gallant SSPDF forces drove out the SPLA-IO and White Army forces from Wunkur County, Ruweng Administrative Area, especially after the SSPDF made a tactical withdrawal on Sunday from the town," Mijok said in a statement issued in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
The latest development came after the SPLA-IO forces recaptured the Akobo town near the border with Ethiopia from the SSPDF.
Akobo fell to the opposition forces on April 13, barely a month after the government forces first seized control of the area.
Since March 7, the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO have engaged in intense clashes in and around Akobo County. ■
