The South Sudanese army said it killed the leader of the newly formed rebel group in fighting Sunday in Lakes State.

The army said Kerbino Wol Agok, who led the 7th October Movement, was killed during a military offensive in the area of Amongpiny to retaliate for attacks by his soldiers there.

“On Sunday, we managed to locate Kerbino’s hideout at Ayen Mayar Village in Amongpiny where he was killed in action,” army spokesman Lul Ruai told Radio Tamazuj.

He added, “I can confirm that Kerbino Wol was killed alongside five others. We regret the killing of the other civilians because our plan was to look for Kerbino.”

Representatives of the 7th October Movement could not immediately be reached for comment. If Kerbino's death is confirmed by the group, it would be a serious blow to the newly established rebel group, which has threatened to fight the government.

On June 5, Kerbino Wol announced the formation of the 7th October Movement to challenge the government.

Kerbino, who was a renowned businessman, was slapped with 10 years in prison for his alleged involvement in a revolt at the National Security headquarters in Juba on October 7, 2018. He was later freed in a presidential pardon in January 2020.

Wol was initially detained by the National Security Service (NSS) in April 2018 and held without being charged.