Thousands of civilians have fled the opposition-held town of Akobo in eastern South Sudan following an evacuation order issued by the army to pave the way for an operation.
Florence Miettaux And Deng MacholUnited Nations peacekeepers stand near an airstrip in Akobo, South Sudan, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. Internally displaced people gather at a church compound in Akobo, Jonglei state, South Sudan, Saturday, Feb.
21, 2026. United Nations peacekeepers stand near an airstrip in Akobo, South Sudan, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. – Thousands of civilians have fled an opposition-held town in eastern South Sudan following an evacuation order issued by the army to pave the way for a military operation, officials said Sunday.“The town is now almost empty," said Nhial Lew, a local official in charge of humanitarian affairs."Women, children and the elderly have left and crossed into Ethiopia.” While the government’s deadline to evacuate was supposed to expire on Monday afternoon, fighting has been reported west of Akobo since Saturday.The national army, called the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, ordered the U.N. Mission in South Sudan, or UNMISS, to close its Akobo base on Friday. Nongovernmental organizations and civilians were also asked to evacuate “in order to avoid unnecessary collateral damage,” as the government prepares a military assault targeting “Akobo and surrounding areas,” according to a statement by military spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang. Akobo is one of the last strongholds of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition, or SPLM-IO, led by Riek Machar, South Sudan’s detained vice president. A 2018 peace deal between Machar and President Salva Kiir has nearly collapsed since fighting resumed between their forces last year. Confrontations have dramatically increased in the northern part of Jonglei since December, when opposition forces captured government outposts. They were repelled by a government counteroffensive that displaced more than 280,000 people in a few weeks. The town of Akobo, located in the far east of South Sudan and under opposition control since the civil war that erupted in 2013, was seen as a relatively safe haven. The presence of a small contingent of U.N. peacekeepers has led more than 82,000 displaced people to seek refuge in and around Akobo.Two U.N. flights evacuated most humanitarian workers on Sunday. The International Committee of the Red Cross runs a surgical unit at the Akobo County Hospital, where several wounded patients were being treated. The ICRC hadn't yet evacuated its staff.“We are worried for our patients at the hospital," said Dual Diew, the Akobo County health director."We tried to make a plan to take them to a safer location, but we don’t have enough fuel.” On Saturday, civilians in Akobo demonstrated against the army’s ultimatum and marched toward the U.N. base calling for peace and protection. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Council President says Inspector General is looking into ‘serious allegations’ related to JEAJacksonville Beach police plan heavy deployment for takeover event near pier on SaturdayRunners flock to Gate River Run expo by the thousands as event expects to see record turnoutRunners flock to Gate River Run expo by the thousands as event expects to see record turnoutJacksonville lawyers warn homeowners after state sues roofing companyI feel raindrops! Scattered showers and thunderstorms are riding the sea breeze!I feel rain drops! Scattered showers and thunderstorms are riding the sea breeze!Longer yellow lights, digital ID protections included in proposed Florida transportation billFSCJ Manta Rays reach NJCAA mascot final; community urged to voteTeachers raise alarm over bill requiring unions to show support from 50% of employeesSt. Johns County Sergeant who pulled driver from fiery I-95 crash recounts rescueJacksonville’s PATH program shows early progress reducing downtown homelessnessIt's gonna be warm! Start hydrating early for Gate River RunJustice 4 All: How proposed legislation could impact homeowners with poolsMayor Deegan approves 3 a.m. alcohol sales downtown; some News4JAX viewers question safetyHow Florida’s fishing license change could impact touristsBig changes runners need to know for Gate River Run ExpoMan charged after 1 killed, 2 wounded by gunfire at construction site in St. Johns CountyOne person dead, 2 more sent to hospital after argument turns into fight in St. Johns CountyOne person dead, 2 more sent to hospital after argument turns into fight in St. Johns CountyBus company confirms driver removed from service after unauthorized person boards school busOceanway residents disappointed in committee’s decision to approve storage unit developmentUNF poll finds that Florida voters are split on Trump's immigration policyHappy clouds on a Happy Humpday. When will we get some rain?Photos show Jacksonville-based Navy ships, helicopters playing key roles in ‘Operation Epic Fury
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Thousands flee opposition-held town in South Sudan after army evacuation orderThousands of civilians have fled the opposition-held town of Akobo in eastern South Sudan following an evacuation order issued by the army to pave the way for an operation. The exodus from Akobo took place between Saturday night and Sunday. Akobo is one of the last strongholds of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition.
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