South Sudanese rebels loyal to former First Vice President Riek Machar on Tuesday briefly captured Korgulu area in Yei River State after clashes with government troops.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, a government official who preferred anonymity said SPLA-IO troops had captured Korgulu briefly and took some machine guns.

“There were sporadic gunshots in the town and people thought that the shooting was for the celebration of 16 May or SPLA Day. But at the end, we came to realize that the SPLA-IO came and attacked Kagelu and they were advancing towards the town, but they were repulsed by the government forces,” he said.

Addressing a press conference in Yei town on Tuesday, the Governor of Yei River State, David Lokonga Moses, said the government forces managed to repulse the attackers.

Lokonga further said six government soldiers who sustained injuries were flown to Juba for medical treatment. However, he didn’t say how many people were killed in the clashes.

The state official accused SPLA fighters near the common borders with Congo of attacking Korgulu area. “I would like to tell the people that Yei River State is for peace and the SPLA force are fully standing firm to protect the people and their properties,” he said.

For his part, Paul Lam Gabriel, the SPLA deputy military spokesman, said their forces decided to withdraw from Korgulu area on Tuesday night to avoid casualties among civilians.