At least five people were reported killed in clashes between government troops and opposition forces at Mondikolok Payam in Kajo-keji County in South Sudan’s Yei River State over the weekend, a local official said.

Kajo-Keji County Commissioner Luka Yombe confirmed to Radio Tamazuj today morning that the government forces and SPLA-IO fighters clashed at Mondikolok Payam on Sunday.

“Yes, the clashes erupted yesterday. The SPLA-IO rebels were seen in Mondikolok, the information came from the director of the payam, and I informed the commander of the army, so the commander of the forces sent forces there to confirm. After the forces arrived there, they clashed with the rebels,” said Yombe.

The local official claimed that the SPLA-IO rebels were repulsed during the clashes in the area. He pointed out that at least five civilians were reported killed during the clashes between the two forces.

“According to the chief of the area, he said that about five people were killed, and we have not yet confirmed whether there were rebels killed or not,” he said.

Meanwhile, a local resident in Mondikolok confirmed that there were clashes in the area yesterday, saying the incident took place after the SPLA army arrested one person accused of supporting the SPLA-IO rebels in the area.

He pointed out that at least five civilians were shot dead during the clashes and that thousands of people fled their homes due to heavy exchange of fire.

 “It was around morning hours when a group of government forces arrested one man in Mondikolok center, he was being accused of coordinating with the SPLA-IO in the bush, “he said.

The local resident accused the SPLA army of burning houses and agricultural fields.

Separate, multiple sources told Radio Tamazuj this morning that over six local youth including drivers were arrested by government forces and taken to military barracks at Wudu area.

For his part, the commissioner of Kajo-keji County denied knowledge of the arrest of local youth by government forces at Wudu area.