In a tragic turn of events, armed clashes erupted in Kenyira in Mugwo Payam as forces from the SPLM-IO launched an attack on government forces that resulted in the loss of eight lives; an additional 22 government soldiers were wounded. It was a fierce attack: eye-witnesses reported heavy gunfire and explosions. Sources confirmed that the attack took government forces by surprise. Kenyira is an area that was previously occupied/under the control of the SPLM-IO before the government dislodged them. Mugwo Payam is one of the most insecure payams in Yei River County.