Rival SPLM-IO Forces Clash in Leer as Death Toll and Port Control Remain Unverified
Developing: This report distinguishes confirmed fighting from claims about casualties and control of Adok Port. Conditions may have changed since the accounts of 14 October.
Forces aligned with rival acting leaders in the SPLM-IO fought in Leer County, Unity State, for a second day on Wednesday, 14 October. Officials from the opposing camps confirmed clashes in Rupkong and Bow to Radio Tamazuj. The movement’s leadership dispute has thus produced armed confrontation in the home county of detained leader Riek Machar.
James Yoach Bading, an Oyet-aligned military official, alleged that Regina Joseph-aligned forces attacked his position. He claimed 14 fighters from both sides were killed and eight injured. Dhoal Koryom Lingling, an official aligned with Joseph, confirmed the fighting but reported three wounded on his side and no deaths. Neither the casualty totals nor the allegation about who attacked first has been independently established.
Separate local-source reporting says Oyet-aligned forces took Adok Port and puts combatant deaths at 10 to 15. That report has not independently established present control of the port; the figures should not be added to the rival faction’s toll or treated as a confirmed civilian count.
Why the fighting matters
Oyet and Joseph each claim authority following suspensions and counter-suspensions within the movement. Armed fragmentation may complicate command, ceasefire monitoring and access by civilian and humanitarian traffic along the river. These are risks, not yet documented consequences of this particular battle.
The immediate questions are whether fighting has stopped, whether civilians were harmed or displaced, whether boats can use Adok Port, and whether Leer County Hospital has treated wounded people. South Sudan Press has not obtained independent hospital records, an assessment from UNMISS or CTSAMVM, or a current on-the-ground verification of the port.