By Staff Writer
Date: March 30, 2026
At least 70 people were killed when unidentified gunmen attacked a gold mining site on the outskirts of Juba, the capital of South Sudan, over the weekend, authorities said.
The attack took place at the Jebel Iraq gold mining area, where many local workers had gathered to dig and search for gold. Videos shared online showed dozens of bodies on the ground, and local journalists reported that others may have fled into nearby bushes during the chaos.
Police spokesperson Kwacijwok Dominic Amondoc said he would share more information once further details become available. He confirmed that the gunmen remain unidentified and that several people were also injured in the assault.
Gold mining in South Sudan is often unregulated and dangerous, and the site at Jebel Iraq has seen violent clashes in the past. Disputes over mining rights and competition for resources have been linked to ongoing insecurity in the area.
Officials have not yet released information on who may be responsible for the massacre. Investigators are expected to look into both armed groups and local militias that operate in remote parts of the country.
The deadly incident highlights continuing security challenges in South Sudan, where violence related to resources and armed conflict remains a threat to civilians and workers in remote regions.
