by Denis Elamu
JUBA, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- South Sudanese rebels said Sunday they have retaken Pagak headquarters which fell recently in the hands of government troops.
Deputy spokesperson of Sudan People's Liberation Army-in opposition (SPLA-IO) rebels, allied to former First Vice President Riek Machar, told Xinhua from hideout that they are now in charge of Pagak near the Ethiopian border.
"Yes we are in control of Pagak. Since Friday at about 10 a.m.," Lam Paul Gabriel revealed. The strategic rebel headquarters fell to government troops on Thursday forcing thousands of civilians to flee across the border, and SPLA-IO had vowed to recapture it.
"At the moment, our orders are to stay put and act in self defense only. We don't know when that will change, but if it does change, I assure you even Juba will be a walkover," Gabriel said.
Efforts to contact government spokesman Col. Dickson Gatluak for comment were futile as his phone was switched off.
South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 after political dispute between President Kiir and his former deputy Machar led to fighting that pitted mostly Dinka ethnic soldiers loyal to Kiir against Machar's Nuer ethnic group.
The 2015 peace agreement to end the violence was again violated in July 2016 when the rival factions resumed fighting in the capital forcing Machar to flee into exile.
The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions that have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.
