Fresh clashes erupted in the Magenis area of Upper Nile State on Saturday morning between the two rival military factions of the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in Opposition (SPLA-IO).

Earlier this week, a group of military generals declared First Vice President Riek Machar had been ousted as head of the SPLM-IO and as commander in chief of the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in Opposition (SPLA-IO).

Those top generals include former chief of staff General Simon Gatwech Dual, General Johnson Olony of Sector One Command and General Thomas Mabor Dhoal of Sector Three Command.

First Lieutenant General Simon Gatwech Dual was declared interim leader of the opposition by the new group. However, Riek Machar convened on Thursday an emergency meeting and dismissed claims that he had been ousted and replaced by General Simon Gatwech.

Chuol Deng, deputy spokesman of SPLA-IO forces under Gen. Simon Gatwech, accused forces loyal to Riek Machar of carrying out attacks on their positions in Magenis this morning.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj this morning, Deng claimed that their group is still maintaining its position in Magenis and that the SPLA-IO forces loyal to Riek Machar are being repulsed.

“We have captured some vehicles from the attackers. We have so far lost one soldier and two others sustained injuries. The fighting is ongoing, so more details will be later,” Deng said.

Meanwhile, Riek Machar’s acting spokesperson Pouk Both Baluang, said: “There is an ongoing meeting of the military command in Juba to discuss the ongoing incident. Our military spokesman Paul Lam Gabriel would speak to the media shortly after the meeting.”

Radio Tamazuj will keep you updated.