Officials have reported at least 73 miners died southwest of the capital Juba

Over 70 people have been killed and dozens injured in an attack on a gold mine in South Sudan, Vice President James Wani Igga said in a statement on Monday.

The assault took place over the weekend in Khor-Kaltan, Central Equatoria State, located roughly 70 kilometers southwest of the capital, Juba.

"At least 73 local miners have been tragically killed and 25 others seriously injured," he said as quoted by several local news agencies. Igga called for an investigation and urged the authorities to identify those responsible, referring to them as "unidentified assailants."

"Your grief is the nation's grief. We stand with you in this dark hour and pledge that the blood of your loved ones will not be shed in vain," Igga said, addressing the families of the victims.

Police spokesperson Kwacijwok Dominic Amondoc confirmed to AP that dozens of bodies were found at the scene, while some survivors fled into nearby bushland.

The mining region has frequently experienced clashes driven by competition over gold between artisanal miners, companies, and armed actors.

A security source, speaking with AFP on condition of anonymity, suggested the number of fatalities could be higher, estimating between 75 and 86 victims. According to the source, the assault could have been carried out by opposition forces loyal to Riek Machar, former first vice president, who is currently under arrest. A video shared on X shows dozens of bodies lying in an open area.

The Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM/SPLA-IO) condemned the killings and accused government troops, asserting they hold control over the area - an allegation the army has not commented on.

READ MORE: Dozens killed in South Sudan attack

South Sudan has faced repeated outbreaks of violence since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011.

The latest attack follows another recent deadly incident in the country that left at least 169 people dead in a pre-dawn attack in South Sudan's Ruweng Administrative Area, with dozens more injured. The assault, blamed by the UN on "unidentified armed youth," also killed several local officials.

RT / RT

(RT.com)