Dozens of soldiers have been killed or injured from clashes between government and opposition forces, a local government official told Radio Tamazuj.
“Dozens have been killed and injured from the rebel’s side and two were killed and six injured from the government side,” Northern Leich State Minister of Information Lam Tungwar told Radio Tamazuj.
The Bentiu area has been a traditional hotspot of tension between government and rebel forces, and is also the hometown of First Vice President Taban Deng. Before the fighting, some aid workers pulled out of the area fearing an imminent attack.
John Paul, security advisor of South Sudan’s proposed Northern Liech state said that the opposition attacked government forces. A spokesperson for the opposition was not immediately available for comment.