More fighting in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state

Fresh fighting broke out this morning between SPLA troops and opposition forces in Bambay, north of Renk, with other ceasefire violations also reported farther south in the state.

Fresh fighting broke out this morning between SPLA troops and opposition forces in Bambay, north of Renk, with other ceasefire violations also reported farther south in the state.

An SPLA official in Renk County told Radio Tamazuj that fighting was still continuing this morning. He also updated that the clashes reported yesterday in Majak in the same county resulted in two rebels captured and three killed.

He said the fighting today is taking place at Bambay area located between Abu Khadra and Geiger, on the east bank and opposite to Kuake area on the west bank. 

Meanwhile, official spokesmen of both SPLA and the armed opposition SPLA-IO confirmed attacks in the Doleib area, south of Malakal.

Army spokesman Col. Philip Aguer is quoted by AFP today as saying that heavy artillery barrages and fierce gun battles broke out at Dolieb Hill, south of Malakal, and in the northern Renk County. 

The army spokesman described the attackers in Renk area as “guerrillas.”

“We will continue to strictly abide by the peace agreement, but we will not allow this ceasefire to be used by rebels to continue moving and attacking our positions,” Aguer said.

Rebel spokesman Lul Ruai Koang charged government troops today of “relentless and intensive shelling” of their positions at Dolieb.

Map: Renk is indicated in red, in the northern part of South Sudan, on the bank of the Nile River 

Related coverage:

Raiders clash with South Sudan forces in Renk area (14 May)