Battle of Malakal

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Battle of Malakal
Part of the aftermath of the Second Sudanese Civil War
Malakal locator map.svg
Location of Malakal in pre-2011 Sudan
Date27–29 November 2006 (3 days)
Location
Result Ceasefire and mutual disengagement to pre-battle positions
Belligerents

Flag of Sudan.svg  Sudan

Flag of South Sudan.svg Southern Sudan

Commanders and leaders
Flag of the South Sudan Defence Force.svg Gabriel Tang Unknown
Casualties and losses
At least 4 killed [1]
~150 killed and 400–500 wounded [2]

The Battle of Malakal occurred at the end of November 2006 in the southern Sudanese town of Malakal. The clashes between Sudanese government forces and the Sudan People's Liberation Army were the most serious breach of a 2005 deal to end the Second Sudanese Civil War. [3]

Contents

Battle

According to the SPLA, militia leader Gabriel Tang initiated the clashes by attacking the SPLA and then taking refuge in the local Sudanese Army base. After a demand to hand over Tang was not met, the SPLA attacked the base, causing the Sudanese army to counterattack with tanks. The Sudanese army likewise blamed the SPLA for starting the battle. After three days of fighting the battle eventually subsided, and both sides agreed to disengage to their pre-battle positions. [3]

Aftermath

Tang's militia would clash with the SPLA again in Malakal in 2009 and in Jonglei in 2011, [4] before eventually surrendering to the SPLA shortly thereafter. [5] The 2006 clash didn't escalate to a dangerous level, and the 2011 South Sudanese independence referendum was held as planned and according to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005, resulting in South Sudan's independence.

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References

  1. Sudan Tribune: 13 killed in clashes between SPLA and a militia in S. Sudan’s Malakal, Nov 29, 2006. Retrieved May 11, 2014.
  2. "UN puts death toll from south Sudan clashes at 150", Reuters (Sudan Tribune), December 3, 2006.
  3. 1 2 "Hundreds killed in south Sudan clashes: ex-officer", Reuters, November 30, 2006.
  4. "South Sudan clashes between army and militia kill 57". BBCnews.com. 2011-04-24. Retrieved 2011-04-26.
  5. "South Sudan Renegade Gabriel Tanginye under house arrest - Sudan Tribune: Plural news and views on Sudan".

Coordinates: 9°33′N31°39′E / 9.55°N 31.65°E / 9.55; 31.65