South Sudanese army units arrived inside Malakal from outposts around the town last night and this morning in order to control fighting between other government units, according to Deputy Governor Gwen Phillip Chan.
The fighting within Malakal began as an incident yesterday night and developed into more serious clashes this morning, involving bodyguards of Governor Simon Kun Puoc and forces under the command of SPLA Major General Johnson Olony.
The deputy governor said that SPLA forces under the command of Major General Arkenjelo Obong came in and took control the situation but the fighting nonetheless resumed this morning.
“So we asked for more reinforcement of the SPLA forces and we received more forces. Now the situation is under control,” said Gwen.
Acting Upper Nile State Minister of Information Gatluak Liphoth also confirmed that SPLA forces in town have received reinforcements from outposts and have now taken control of the situation.
Related:
Fighting within government forces in Malakal (22 April)