A South Sudanese rebel general allied to former First Vice President Riek Machar has been killed in fighting with government troops in the town of Bangalo in Amadi state over the weekend.

Rebel spokesman Paul Lam Gabriel confirmed to Radio Tamazuj that the deputy commander of the SPLA-IO’s division in the area, Brig. Gen. Joseph Yallo and his two bodyguards were killed in clashes on Saturday.

“The government attacked our positions in the town of Bangalo and killed General Yallo. The area was under our control, but the government forces came and captured it,” Lam said.

Lul Ruai Koang, SPLA's military spokesperson, said in a statement that they had killed two rebel generals, including chief of intelligence in Bangalo. He accused the rebels of attacking their convoy.

“Rebels ambushed an SPLA convoy which was delivering food and salaries to soldiers deployed at Galia of Bangalo County. The convoy broke through and succeeded in delivering essential food rations and salaries,” partly reads Lul’s statement.

The military spokesman said two government soldiers sustained minor injuries during fighting.