The two warring factions in South Sudan, SPLA-IO and SPLA-Juba on Friday blamed each other for carrying out attacks in Doleib Hill area of Upper Nile, with both sides confirming fighting resumed this morning in the area.
Can. Philip Aguer, spokesman of SPLA forces, accused forces loyal to Riek Machar of carrying out attacks on Obel (Ashabenil) and Doleib Hill areas south of Malakal town at around 6:10 a.m.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj this afternoon, Aguer claimed that SPLA is still maintaining its position in Doleib Hill and that the rebels have already been repulsed from Obel area, about 25 minutes driving from Malakal.
He also denied latest reports on the ground that Doleib has already fallen to the rebels.
A division commander on the front lines who talked on condition of anonymity told Radio Tamazuj that they were attacked by the opposition fighters this morning.
He pointed out that control of the Doleib Hill area is currently divided into two between his forces and defected troops, while asserting that Obel (Ashabenil) is now under full control of the government forces.
Meanwhile, SPLA-IO military spokesman Lul Ruai Kong said in a statement that government forces have been shelling their defensive positions in Upper Nile including a relief center at Kamal in Pigi County, Jonglei state for over a week.
Ruai accused the SPLA forces under overall command of sector commander General Johnson Gony Beliu of launching coordinated attacks on their defensive lines at Dolieb Hill and Zinc areas southeast of Malakal town.
“Our forces under overall command of Maj. Gen. Gabriel Tangiye and under direct command of Operations Commander, Maj. James Mabor Dhoal acted in self defence,” reads part of the statement, acknowledging launching counter-attacks.
Malakal citizens who were scared by the sounds of the battles at Doleib and Obel areas started running toward the UN base in Malakal seeking protection, whereas others crossed to west bank, according to a source.