South Sudanese rebels loyal to former First Vice President Riek Machar announced that they captured Morobo County in Yei River State today morning.

SPLA-IO military spokesman William Gatjiath Deng said in a statement seen by Radio Tamazuj that the SPLA-IO forces managed to capture Morobo County after an attack on their positions by government troops in the area.“Now, the gallant SPLA-IO forces are in full control of Morobo County,” he claimed.

The rebel official claimed that they killed several government soldiers during clashes between the two sides this morning.

Radio Tamazuj could not reach government officials in the area to comment on the matter.