Dozens Feared Killed, Wounded In Gold Mine Attack
Not less than 73 people were killed and 25 others wounded in an attack on a gold mine in South Sudan over the weekend.
According to government officials, the assault occurred at the Khor Kaltan mining area, located about 70 kilometres southwest of the capital, Juba, leaving the local community reeling from the violence.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, struggling with the remote location and the scale of the casualties.
Hospitals in nearby towns have begun receiving the wounded, prioritising those in critical condition, DWAfrica reports.
Vice President James Wani Igga confirmed the casualties and called for immediate medical attention.
“At least 73 local miners have been tragically killed and 25 others seriously injured,” Vice President Igga said in a statement. “We must urgently provide medical care and evacuation for those wounded.”
He also urged for a formal investigation into the attack. “We must establish a formal inquiry to determine the identity and motive of these ‘unidentified assailants’,” Igga added.
A security source suggested that the attack was “believed the attack was carried out” by forces loyal to opposition leader Riek Machar, though official reports remain mixed.
A spokesman for Machar — who has been under house arrest for a year — denied any involvement and instead accused the South Sudanese army of responsibility.
