More than 74 civilians were killed and at least 25 others seriously injured in a brutal attack on an artisanal gold mining site at Khor Kaltan in the Jebel Iraq area, several kilometres west of Juba in Central Equatoria State.

The attack occurred on Saturday evening, March 28, 2026, around 6 p.m. Armed assailants opened fire on miners at the site, leaving dozens dead.

Several more people are still missing in the surrounding forests, and the death toll could rise as search operations continue.

South Sudan Police spokesperson Brigadier Kwacijwok Dominic Amondoc confirmed the incident, stating: “The victims were civilians who had gone there to work in the mines. An armed group attacked them, killing more than 74 people. Others are still missing.”

Vice President James Wani Igga described the victims as “the backbone of our local economy” and condemned the “heinous massacre.”

He directed immediate medical evacuation of the injured, the establishment of a formal inquiry, and reinforcement of security around mining sites.

A survivor, Akot Maluil, recounted the horror: “The attackers came in the evening and opened fire on us at the gold mining centre.”

He survived by pretending to be dead after being shot.

Jebel Iraq is a remote area known for artisanal gold mining, where locals dig for gold to survive amid difficult economic conditions.

The area has seen repeated attacks in recent months, often linked to disputes over control of gold deposits.

It lies within a zone under the control of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).

The SPLM/A-IO blamed government forces, stating that since the area is under exclusive SSPDF control, responsibility for the massacre lies with them.

No armed group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Security forces have been deployed to the area to secure the site and conduct rescue operations.

Graphic videos and photos showing dead bodies and wounded victims have circulated widely on social media.

Human rights activist Edmund Yakani called on the government to address the culture of illegal gold mining across the country.