The SPLA-IO faction led by South Sudan’s former vice president Riek Machar claimed that it killed about 40 government soldiers during clashes in several areas in Unity State.

 James Yoach, spokesperson of the SPLA-IO faction in Unity State, told Radio Tamazuj yesterday that they clashed with Salva Kiir’s forces in Thonyor, Ding-ding and Mirnyal areas on Sunday afternoon.

He accused the government forces of attacking their positions in those areas. Yoach claimed that they killed over 40 government soldiers during the clashes, while admitting that about two soldiers were killed and five others wounded from their side.

 “The government forces attacked our positions in Mayendit and Leer Counties on Sunday, but our forces repulsed them,” said Yoach.

For his part, Brig. Lul Ruai Koang, spokesman of the SPLA, confirmed the clashes in Unity state. However, he didn’t give further details about the clashes.