Teah Gatjiek, the government-appointed deputy governor of Bieh state has downplayed threats from rebels around the town of Waat, describing the latest statement made by the rebel-appointed governor of Bieh Koang Rambang as propaganda.

Governor Rambang had threated government forces in the town of Waat to surrender to their forces within 24 hours or risk being crushed.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday from Bieh, Deputy Governor Teah Gatjiek said the town of Waat including its airstrip is fully under their control, dismissing reports that the opposition faction led by rebel leader Riek Machar is still controlling the airstrip.

“Now I am at the airstrip of Waat where rebels claimed to have controlled and I don’t see any rebels a round,” Teah said.

He also denied reports that heavily armed Ugandan gunships had bombed rebel positions at Waat airstrip and other areas within the state.