Local authorities in Manyo County in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state have again denied claims that the SPLA-IO rebels captured Kaka area recently.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj from Kaka, Manyo County Commissioner Rajab Deng Ajak said the claims were baseless.

“I am at my office now in Kaka area. The claims by the rebels that they captured Kaka are untrue.  We are fine, and they couldn’t reach Kaka area,” he said.

However, Rajab admitted that fierce fighting erupted between the SPLA-Juba and SPLA-IO at Haluf area near Kaka area on Tuesday. Rajab added that Haluf clashes lasted eight hours.

The official disclosed that the fighting shifted to Odoud area, about one hour from Kaka after the rebels withdrew from Haluf area.

The SPLA-IO rebels have now been pushed back to an area called Kenisa, according to the commissioner.

Rajab accused the rebels of attacking their positions four times, but there repulsed by government forces.

When asked about the casualties during the clashes, the commissioner said about 10 SPLA-Juba soldiers sustained minor injuries. He claimed that they killed several rebel soldiers and wounded many others.

Related:

Rebel official claims capture of Haluf area near Kaka (18 Feb.)

Manyo official says Kaka not captured by SPLA-IO rebels (15 Feb.)