SPLA-In Opposition rebels in South Sudan's Upper Nile state have attacked Adoudi in Fashoda County Wednesday, Defense Minister Kuol Manyang said.

Kuol told Radio Tamazuj: "The attack on Aboudi area, northwest of Kaka forced our forces to withdraw toward Kaka area after they ran out of ammunition."

The minister said six SPLA-Juba soldiers were killed and 80 wounded during the clashes.

Kuol said the rebel forces have been continuously shelling Kaka with mortars, but have not overrun it, adding that there is a large number of SPLA-Juba soldiers in the area.

Separately, Kuol confirmed that SPLA-Juba soldiers are being promoted in the military headquarters while peace talks are going on.

“Yes there are negotiations for peace, but we don’t know when the talks will conclude with the rebels. You know, our peace negotiations with the Khartoum government had taken us almost ten years,” he said.

The official further said they cannot wait for the rebels so that the promotions are done in the army.

“The ongoing promotions are not general because the promotions cannot be done at once for all soldiers," he said.

File photo: JEM forces allied to SPLA-Juba fighting in Bentiu in May 2014