At least 73 people have been killed and dozens more seriously injured after unknown gunmen attacked a gold mining site in South Sudan.
The tragic incident happened over the weekend at a mining area called Khor Kaltan (also referred to as Jebel Iraq), located around 70km from the capital, Juba. Vice President James Wani Igga confirmed the shocking numbers, saying at least 73 local miners lost their lives while 25 others were badly wounded in the assault.Details are still emerging,
but reports suggest the attack stemmed from a dispute over the gold mine. South Sudan, which has struggled with years of conflict and instability, continues to see violence flare up, especially in areas rich in natural resources like gold.
Many of the victims were ordinary miners trying to make a living in one of the world’s youngest and most troubled nations. This latest bloodshed has once again highlighted the fragile security situation and the dangers surrounding informal gold mining in the country.