South Sudanese armed group SPLA-Juba has acknowledged the loss of more than 20 troops in clashes with armed civilians in Rumbek North County of Lakes State.
SPLA-Juba spokesman Philip Aguer said he does not yet know the total number of losses because he is waiting for more reports from the field.
“But more than twenty SPLA soldiers and officers were lost in the clashes,” he said on the UN radio service in South Sudan.
The fighting broke out late last week in Malek area about 40 miles north of Rumbek. Aguer says that SPLA-Juba forces were attacked by armed civilians in the area for unclear reasons.
Related:
SPLA-Juba clashes with youths in Rumbek North (24 Oct.)
New blood bank at army hospital in S Sudan (23 Oct.)