Fighting broke out in several areas in the southern part of Mayendit County and near the town of Leer in Southern Liech State on Wednesday between pro-government and rebel forces, the rebels said.

Rebel spokesman in Unity state James Yoach told Radio Tamazuj that the government forces have been attacking their positions in several areas since April 21.

“Fighting is still continuing now several areas today. There are also clashes in Rubchuai south of Leer town,” he said.

For his part, the state minister of information in Southern Liech, said: “We have heard that about the fighting but I am in Juba. I do not have more details until now.”

SPLA spokesman Lul Ruai Koang said he had no information about the fighting in Southern Liech.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Tuesday said it had suspended operations in South Sudan’s Leer County after its compound came under attack earlier this month. 

The aid agency said in a statement that a distribution of seeds and farming tools for approximately 24,600 people was interrupted after armed men attacked its compound in Leer, forcing staff to evacuate and program activities to be suspended.