SSPDF Suffers Significant Losses in Nasir Garrison Attack
The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) reportedly lost over $58 million in military equipment. This loss occurred during an attack on the Nasir garrison in March 2025. A prosecution witness testified to these losses in a Juba court on Wednesday.
Details of Lost Equipment
Lost equipment included 537 AK-47s and ten RPG-7s. The arsenal also comprised two Zu-23mm weapons and eight 60.75mm mortars. Additionally, nine 12.7mm heavy machine guns were lost.
Authorities documented losses of three Ahons and two BM-7mm weapons. One Ahon-82mm and three 14.5mm heavy guns were also missing. Furthermore, the SSPDF reported the loss of two LG-4s and three LG-2s.
The losses extended to seven mounted APCs and four mounted Land Cruisers. Five trucks, two large generators, and a radio were among the captured items.
Testimony and Allegations
Major Peter Malual Deng, an SSPDF officer and investigation committee member, presented testimony. During the session, he stated that 267 SSPDF soldiers died. These deaths included Commander Maj. Gen. David Majur Dak, with an additional 13 soldiers injured.
Malual alleged that the white army, aided by SPLA-IO officers, engaged in destructive actions. They are accused of sabotage, property looting, and damaging a UNMISS helicopter. The helicopter was present for an evacuation mission.
Malual claimed that Riek Machar failed to protect SSPDF soldiers. Machar allegedly did not control his forces or condemn the attack. Furthermore, he allegedly failed to establish an investigation into the Nasir incident.
Evidence Presented to the Court
Malual presented the SSPDF report detailing the Nasir incident, its associated costs, and video evidence. The video clips documented the violence that had occurred during the attack.
One video allegedly showed six injured SSPDF soldiers captured and killed. These soldiers were reportedly killed at the Nasir garrison on March 7, 2025.
Another clip featured members of the white army celebrating their control of the Nasir garrison. Additional footage displayed SSPDF personnel retrieving and burying their fallen comrades in a mass grave, following the capture on April 20, 2025.
Legal Proceedings Adjourned
The court adjourned the session until Friday, November 28, 2025. Dr. Riek Machar, and his allies face serious charges. These charges include murder, treason, and crimes against humanity.
These charges relate to the March 2025 attack allegedly linked to Machar. The attack resulted in the deaths of Majur, over 200 soldiers, and a UNMISS helicopter crew member. A special court with three judges is presiding over the case.
