Local officials report that the number of fatalities from airstrikes carried out by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) on a market in Lankien town, Nyirol County, Jonglei State, has increased to 11, with five people remaining unaccounted for since December 29, 2025.

In an interview with local broadcaster Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, Lt. Col. Khor Nyang Mabor, spokesperson for the opposition SPLA-IO in Jonglei State, stated that the Monday airstrike targeted a civilian market in the SPLA-IO-controlled town of Lankien, initially claiming nine lives. He noted that five others are still missing.

“Following the airstrikes on Monday, we recovered nine mutilated bodies. Additionally, around five individuals are unaccounted for and believed to be trapped beneath mounds of earth displaced by the explosions,” he explained.

“Currently, twelve injured people are receiving treatment at the MSF facility in Lankien. The number of wounded was originally 14, but two succumbed to their injuries, raising the overall death count to 11.”

Lt. Col. Mabor added that the area has been relatively quiet since Tuesday, while affirming that SPLA-IO forces are prepared to defend against any SSPDF assault, especially after the army instructed civilians to evacuate opposition-held territories.

John Both, a clergyman from the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan (PCOSS) in Lankien, portrayed the aftermath as devastating.

“The bombed site is right next to the airstrip where our church stands. We were in the middle of prayers and New Year preparations when the airstrikes hit,” John shared with Radio Tamazuj.

“Nine bodies were severely dismembered before our eyes on Monday, and 14 others sustained injuries,” he continued.

“A number of people—whose exact count is unclear—were buried underground by the impact of the bombs.”

Reverend Both voiced the church’s deep concern over the resurgence of fighting between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO, urging both sides to exercise restraint and prioritize the protection of civilian lives.Hostilities in northern Jonglei have escalated sharply in recent weeks.

On Tuesday, the SSPDF issued an order for civilians to promptly depart SPLA-IO-controlled zones in the region, citing potential risks during operations.

The military advised residents to avoid areas near barracks, assembly points, and rally sites to prevent becoming collateral in any clashes.The evacuation directive targets inhabitants of the mainly Lou Nuer counties of Nyirol, Uror, and Akobo, according to the announcement.