The South Sudanese army in Aweil East State said it repulsed a rebel group calling itself South Sudan Patriotic Army (SSPA) after attempting to attack its forces at Malek Gumel area.

The group fighting to topple Kiir’s government in Juba is under the command of Agany Abdel-Baqi Ayii Akol, a native of Aweil area.

Mahmoud Chan, a senior police officer in Aweil East, told Radio Tamazuj that the opposition launched an attack on Malek Gumel area on Sunday.

He further said government troops successfully repulsed and drove away rebel fighters from Malek Gumel after fierce fighting.

“The rebels on Sunday launched attacks on Malek Gumel but they were repulsed. At least four civilians were killed and four soldiers from our side were injured. Also, two soldiers were killed during fighting,” said Chan.

He added, “Two rebels including a Major were killed from the rebel side. They ran away and we do not know the number of rebels wounded during the fighting.”

Rebel spokesperson Deng Mareng confirmed the clash in Malek Gumel, but he said clashes also erupted in Majak Wei area.

He pointed out that at least 10 soldiers were killed and 18 others wounded from their side. Mareng claimed that they killed dozens of government soldiers during the clashes.