The National Salvation Front (NAS) led by General Thomas Cirillo has accused the South Sudanese army (SSPDF) of attacking its position in Morobo County of Central Equatoria State.

The Front is among several groups that did not join the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

The National Salvation Front, in a statement extended to Radio Tamazuj, accused SSPDF of attacking its military base in the area of Youndu in Morobo County on Saturday morning.

 “In the morning hours of 25 July 2020, the SSPDF force launched an attack on NAS tactical positions at Youndu in Kimba Payam, Morobo County. NAS forces fought back in self-defense, forcing the enemy to retreat towards Poki hills and to Kaya town with some casualties,” the statement reads in part.

According to NAS, the SSPDF and the opposition SPLA-IO jointly conducted similar offensives in April to displace civilians into towns and refugee camps in neighboring countries.

“However, NAS forces are determined to protect innocent civilians and their properties,” noted the statement.

The hold-out opposition group says it remains committed to the cessation of hostilities deal signed in 2017 but reserves the right to self-defense.

SSPDF spokesman Lul Ruai Koang could not immediately be reached for comment.