South Sudan rival factions clash in Bieh State

Fresh clashes erupted in the town of Waat in South Sudan’s Bieh State between pro-government forces (SPLA) and the armed opposition forces allied to former First Vice-President Riek Machar, a senior official said.

Fresh clashes erupted in the town of Waat in South Sudan’s Bieh State between pro-government forces (SPLA) and the armed opposition forces allied to former First Vice-President Riek Machar, a senior official said.

The Governor of Bieh state, Moses Majok Gatluak, told Radio Tamazuj today that fight ensured between the two rival forces in Waat on Sunday before the rebels were repulsed.

He further said the armed opposition forces regrouped themselves and launched another attack on the town of Waat today morning but they were again repulsed.

Majok pointed out that the government is fully controlling the town of Waat.

Lul Ruai Koang, SPLA's military spokesperson, said at a press conference in Juba today that at least four government soldiers were killed and 20 others sustained injuries during clashes in the town of Waat.

He claimed that they killed dozens of rebel soldiers in Waat, while accusing the opposition of attacking their positions in Waat on Sunday morning.

Lam Paul Gabriel, spokesman for Machar’s SPLA-IO rebel movement admitted that they had attacked the town of Waat on Sunday morning.

He pointed out that fighting was still continuing between the two rival forces in Waat. He claimed that they captured the town from government troops.