Over 70 killed in attack on gold mining site in South Sudan PHOTO

More than 70 people have been killed following an attack by armed assailants on a gold mining area on the outskirts of South Sudan’s capital, Juba, according to Japan Today, citing police sources.

The incident occurred at a mining site in the Jebel-Irak area of Central Equatoria state, which has previously seen violent clashes among illegal miners. Police spokesperson Kwacijwok Dominic Amondoc reported that unknown attackers targeted the site, leaving over 70 dead and many others injured.

Footage circulating online shows dozens of bodies lying on the ground, while local sources suggest that some survivors may have fled into nearby bushes.

The opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army – In Opposition has accused government forces, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, of carrying out the attack, claiming the area is under their control. The army has declined to comment.

Human rights observers note that gold mining in South Sudan is largely unregulated, and competition over resources continues to drive violence.

By Khagan Isayev