SPLA-IO admits losing control of Kajo-keji town

South Sudanese rebels loyal to former First Vice President, Riek Machar have acknowledged losing control of Kajo-keji town in Yei River State after clashes with government troops on Tuesday.

South Sudanese rebels loyal to former First Vice President, Riek Machar have acknowledged losing control of Kajo-keji town in Yei River State after clashes with government troops on Tuesday.

On Monday, SPLA-IO troops announced that they captured the headquarters of Kajo-keji County after clashes with government forces.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, Gen .John Jok Gai, the commander of the SPLA-IO force in Equatoria, said they lost control of Kajo-keji town after fighting with the government troops on Tuesday. 

The rebel commander claimed that they captured about 14 government soldiers in Kaji-keji town, while denying reports that their forces have insured huge losses during the fighting.

Jok pointed out that they repulsed a government attack on their position in Kurgulu area on Wednesday afternoon.

Government officials could not immediately be reached for comment.