A fresh offensive by South Sudanese rebels in Unity state this week aims to seize oil fields, a parliamentarian representing Rubkona area said.

Gabriel Tap, member of South Sudan’s parliament, said Riek Machar’s rebels attacked Tharwangyela area in the western part of Unite state but were repulsed.

He claimed that the government forces killed many rebel soldiers.

SPLA-IO deputy military spokesperson Lam Paul Gabriel denied reports that they attacked government troops in Unity state.

He pointed out that out that their forces came under attack by the government forces at Tharwangyela area. He admitted that at least seven soldiers were killed and 15 others wounded from their side.

He claimed that they also killed dozens of government soldiers.