A violent confrontation between South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers and armed local youth left five people dead and five others injured over the weekend in Mankien Payam, Mayom County, Unity State.

Peter Duol Thak, the area’s executive director, told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that the clash erupted after reports emerged that local youth had raided cattle in neighboring Warrap State. Security forces were sent to recover the stolen livestock, but the youths resisted, prompting the deadly confrontation.

“The army encountered the criminals in the forest, and they opened fire on SSPDF soldiers, killing two and injuring three,” Duol said. “On the side of the armed youth, three were killed immediately, and two others were wounded.”

The injured soldiers were taken to Mankien Hospital, with those in serious condition transferred to Bentiu Hospital, while the wounded youth were reportedly taken into the forest for treatment.

Simon Gatdet, chairperson of civil society in Unity State, condemned the incident as “very unfortunate,” lamenting that none of the perpetrators were arrested. “When lawbreakers are not held accountable, it emboldens them,” he said.

The clash highlights ongoing security challenges and tensions over cattle raids in the region.