Army spokesperson –Maj Gen Lul Ruai Koang during Eye Radio's dawn show June 15, 2021/Eye Radio

The SSPDF headquarters has called on regional and international bodies to hold National Salvation Front or NAS

over the death of Catholic sisters, an accusation denied by South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance.

NAS is a member of SSOMA.

On Monday, five people – including the two nuns from the Sacred Heart Catholic Church – were killed while returning from Loa after participating in a centenary celebration.

Following the attack, the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance has denied involvement in the killing of civilians along the Juba-Nimule highway.

The group led by Thomas Cirilo, Paul Malong and Pagan Amum condemned the killing.

It denounces what it describes as the heinous killing of innocent civilians and members of the clergy.

SSOMA ‘statement comes after President Salva Kiir stated that the government may reconsider its position on the ongoing Sant Egidio-led Rome Initiative.

The SSPDF headquarters has blamed the latest attacks along Juba-Nimule highway on elements of the National Salvation Front or NAS.

The army spokesperson, Major General Lul Ruai accused the National Salvation Front forces of killing and injuring the civilians.

“Those sisters and three other innocent civilians were brutally murdered by NAS rebels loyal to General Thomas Cirillo,” Gen Lul Ruai said.

“The SSPDF general headquarters condemns in a strongest team possible indiscriminate targeting of none military target, and called on the regional and international bodies to hold NAS accountable.”

“SSPDF would like to assure the people of South Sudan that it is committed to protect its citizens wherever they are and the killing that was witness was a work of terrorists that do not hold the love of the people of south Sudan.”