The government troops and allied SPLA-IO-Taban forces have this afternoon captured the SPLM-IO-Riek stronghold town of Pagak, this is according to Ambassador Gordon Buay.

Taban’s IO governor Bol Ruac Rom declared last the capture of Maiwut town the capital of newly created Maiwut State and vowed to flash out rebels from the border town of Pagak.

Exiled opposition leader Riek Machar made Pagak his temporary base in 2014 and the town has remained in his forces’ control throughout South Sudan’s war.

HIJ could not independently verify Buay claims. We contacted SPLA-IO-Taban military spokesperson, Dickson Gatluak Jock via email but we are yet to receive a response regarding the capture of Pagak.

Riek IO forces remain in control of Akobo town, the capital of Akobo state.