At least nine civilians, including women and children, were killed on Monday morning after the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) carried out an airstrike on an SPLA-IO-controlled area in Lankien, Nyirol County, Jonglei State, according to opposition military officials.

SPLA-IO Jonglei spokesperson Lt. Col. Khor Nyang Mabor told press that the airstrike hit a market in Lankien town at around 10 a.m., killing civilians. He strongly condemned the attack, describing it as “heinous.”

“At around 10 a.m., the SSPDF bombed a market in Lankien, killing nine civilians, including three women, five children, and a disabled man,” Mabor said.

He also reported earlier fighting between SPLA-IO and SSPDF forces in Riang Payam on the same day, which resulted in casualties on both sides. According to Mabor, two SPLA-IO soldiers were killed and four injured, while five SSPDF soldiers were found dead following the clashes.

Meanwhile, Nyirol County Commissioner Peter Gatkuoth Koang, appointed by SPLM-IO, gave a slightly different account, saying eight people were killed and five injured during the early morning fighting in Riang Payam.

Gatkuoth said four SPLA-IO soldiers were killed and five wounded during the ground assault, while four SSPDF bodies were recovered after opposition forces repelled the attack.

He added that following the clashes at around 6 a.m., SSPDF aircraft later bombed a market in Lankien town, killing seven civilians and injuring 13 others.

“The security situation remains tense, and civilians are living in fear due to airstrikes targeting populated areas,” Gatkuoth said, adding that opposition forces remain on alert.

Tensions have been escalating in parts of Jonglei State, with recent clashes resulting in SPLA-IO forces capturing an SSPDF base in Waat town last week.