Fighting broke out Tuesday morning between South Sudan’s government and rebels in Nasser of Upper Nile state.
Rebel military spokesperson William Gatjiath Deng accused government forces of attacking opposition positions in Ketbek at around 7:00 in the morning while shelling Pandanyang, Torpuot, and Nyatot payams on the east bank of the Sobat River.
“The government forces were encountered and repulsed back to their barracks and inflicted heavy casualties,” Gatjiath claimed. He said the alleged attack took place following the defection of a group of government soldiers to the opposition.
The army confirmed clashes took place, but accused the rebels of instigating the fighting. Army head of information and media Malaak Ayuen told Eye Radio that the rebels opened fire on the Nasser market after crossing the Sobat from the eastern side to the west.
“There was a fighting in the market and they were dislodged, they were chased back again,” Maalak said.
It was not possible to independently verify claims made be either side.