A number of Fertit leaders consequently banded together in the surroundings of Wau and Raga, and organised the "Army of Peace" militia as self-defense force. It was supposed to defend Fertit communities from the SPLA,[14] but was also supposed to enact revenge on Dinka and Jur tribal communities that were blamed for the increasing violence.[15] Not all Fertit tribes supported the new militia,[16] and some tribal leaders vehemently opposed the formation of the Army of Peace and the arming of civilians in general.[17] Those tribal groups that did support the militia were mostly victims of SPLA raids on their villages.[16] One of the most notable Fertit tribes that did not participate in the Army of Peace was the Thuri or Shatt people. Many Fertit tribal leaders distrusted the Thuri/Shatt due to them speaking a language that was similar to Jur and Dinka languages, and even alleged that the Thuri had aided the SPLA raids.[16] The newly formed militia consequently attacked Turi villages, forcing locals to flee to Awoda where they actually joined the SPLA.