Government and opposition forces loyal to Riek Machar on Monday clashed in Nasir town of South Sudan’s Upper Nile State, according to a government source.
Peter Hoth, Minister of Information of the controversial new ‘Latjor State’ government, accused forces loyal to Riek Machar of attacking Nasir town Monday morning, prompting a fierce clashes lasting for hours.
Hoth pointed out that 200 soldiers from the armed opposition crossing from Pagak towards Jonglei attacked Nasir town. If true, this may suggest that SPLA-IO troops en route to the Jonglei front diverted to skirmish with troops in Nasir, or that they are testing the defenses of the heavily fortified town.
Hoth added that there were casualties on both sides, before the SPLA repulsed the attackers from the town.
For his part, army spokesperson Lul Ruai declined to comment on the news, meanwhile, there was no official statement from the armed opposition.
File photo: SPLA artillery in Renk County, Upper Nile State