Renk town in northern Upper Nile State came under renewed artillery fire by SPLA-IO rebels based on the west bank of the Nile, a local official said.

Renk County Commissioner Lual Deng Chol told Radio Tamazuj this afternoon that the shelling was coming from across the opposite side of the river, beginning at about 3:00 am.

He said that many people fled from Renk town after the artillery hit the town. He added that the shelling was still continuing.

“Citizens have fled from the western side to the east and fled northward. The shelling at the beginning was terrible, but it now becoming sporadic,” he said.

The commissioner reported losses of properties, saying some citizens have also been wounded. No losses of life were reported so far.

“I cannot tell you the number of bombs that fell in the town because the shelling was too frightening. It is a huge damage, it is a huge damage. It is the first time for the rebels to shell Renk in such a way compared to the last attack in April,” he said.

He official claimed that attack targeted citizens and markets as well as government institutions.

Separately, Lual also expressed concern about insecurity at Duk Duk area. He said citizens used to sleep in military zones for safely.

He further pointed out that this year’s harvest season has been disrupted by the recent attack on the area.

File photo: SPLA artillery in Renk