Heightened tensions continue to grip Yuai town in Uror County, Jonglei State, as South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) troops stationed just across the border in Duk County’s Pajut area are reportedly reinforcing their positions in preparation for a possible offensive against SPLA-IO-held territory, according to local authorities on Saturday.

Yuai fell into the hands of opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) fighters loyal to detained First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar on January 2, following days of heavy combat that triggered a mass exodus of residents.

Majiok Chop, Uror County’s Information Director, said that the town currently stands entirely empty of civilians while both warring parties gear up for a major confrontation, days after a wave of airstrikes shook the area.

“Tension is running very high between SPLA-IO forces controlling Yuai and SSPDF troops positioned in Pajut,” he explained.

“Additional SSPDF reinforcements have recently arrived in Pajut, raising fears of an imminent clash, although the exact timing remains unclear. What is certain is that Yuai is now a ghost town because everyone expects fighting to break out soon. Fortunately, there have been no airstrikes since Friday.”

According to Chop, the majority of Yuai’s inhabitants have sought refuge in nearby rural villages.

“People have scattered to locations such as Panyok, Koat, Pamai, Wek, Juet, Wanlith, Pabuong, and Pakuiu,” he said.

“You won’t find a single civilian left in Yuai town itself. Their living conditions remain extremely difficult.”

In contrast, Duk County Commissioner John Ruei described the situation in his county as stable, crediting the presence of SSPDF soldiers for restoring a sense of security among residents.

“The initial panic stemmed from the earlier withdrawal of SSPDF troops from Yuai,” Ruei stated.

“But right now, security is solid thanks to our forces stationed in Pajut and Gadiang, which has reassured the population.”

He noted, however, that the county is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis: “Our biggest challenge at the moment is widespread hunger affecting more than 10,000 internally displaced persons — most of whom fled from Uror County.

SPLA-IO’s overall commander in Jonglei State, Major General John Luk Bayak, said that his forces maintain firm control over both Uror and Nyirol counties.

Gen. Luk emphasized that the movement remains committed to pursuing regime change while assuring civilians they will not be targeted during any further advances.

The pledge arrives against a backdrop of deep mistrust among many residents of Bor county, who still remember widespread atrocities committed during the 2013 civil war.

The general also strongly denied claims that his forces had issued an order to confiscate vehicles belonging to humanitarian NGOs working in northern Jonglei.

“I have spent years in Jonglei protecting NGOs and their operations,” he insisted. “Just recently we even asked them to assist SSPDF prisoners of war under our custody. It is therefore impossible for us to turn around and target them now.”

He alleged that his signature had been forged on the purported order by government-aligned individuals in Walgak and said an investigation into the matter is ongoing.

“I want to make it very clear to the public: I never issued any such directive,” Gen. Luk concluded.

The latest flare-up marks a sharp escalation of violence in northern Jonglei that began in late December, driven by repeated clashes between government SSPDF troops and SPLA-IO fighters.

In recent weeks, SPLA-IO forces have seized control of two key towns in the greater Luo Nuer area — Waat and Yuai — previously held by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces.