Gunmen Kill More Than 70 at Gold Mine in South Sudan

JEBEL IRAQ, South Sudan — Gunmen killed more than 70 people at a gold mining site near Jebel Iraq on Monday in an attack stemming from a dispute over control of the mine.

The violence erupted around 10:31 a.m. local time as workers and community members gathered at the site. Witnesses described a coordinated assault by armed men who opened fire on the crowd before retreating. Local authorities confirmed the death toll exceeded 70, with dozens more injured and several missing. Rescue teams and medical personnel rushed to the scene to treat the wounded and recover bodies.

The attack appears linked to a long-standing conflict over ownership and revenue from the Jebel Iraq gold mine. The area has been a flashpoint for competition between local militias, mining companies, and government forces. Control of the site is critical for access to gold reserves that have fueled regional economies and armed groups alike.

South Sudanese officials have not yet identified the perpetrators. The government has deployed security forces to the region to restore order and investigate the incident. A state of emergency has been declared in the surrounding area as authorities work to secure the mine and prevent further violence.

Community leaders expressed outrage over the killings, calling for an immediate investigation and accountability. "This is not just an attack on workers, but on our entire community," said one local elder. "We demand justice for the families who lost loved ones."

The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in South Sudan, where mining disputes have frequently led to bloodshed. Human rights groups have warned that the lack of effective governance in remote mining areas allows armed groups to operate with impunity.

As of Monday afternoon, the mine remained closed and surrounded by security forces. Authorities have not provided details on the number of attackers or their affiliation. Questions remain about whether the violence was isolated or part of a broader campaign to seize control of the region's mineral wealth.

The government has promised a full inquiry into the attack, but residents fear that without significant security reforms, similar incidents could occur again. The international community has urged South Sudan to protect civilians and ensure that natural resource extraction benefits local communities rather than fueling conflict.

For now, families mourn the dead while waiting for answers. The mine, once a symbol of economic hope, now stands as a grim reminder of the dangers that accompany the pursuit of wealth in one of the world's most volatile regions.