At least two soldiers have been killed and two others wounded in a fight between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces at Mirnya Payam in Mayendit County of Unity State on Friday, an SPLA-IO commander said.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Lt. Gen. Peter Ruot Chuol, the  SPLA-IO Sector  Two Commander in Unity State, confirmed that two soldiers were killed from their side and two others sustained injuries.

"The wounded soldiers are under treatment at MSF Primary Health Care Unit (PHCU) in Leer County, but we received information that the wounded soldiers will be taken to Bentiu IDP camp Hospital under MSF," he said.

 "Fighting broke out at a military installation affiliated with the SPLA-IO, located in Mayendit County of Unity State," Ruot stated.

He further claimed that the SSPDF forces had been repelled towards the interior parts of Rubkuai Payam headquarters. He accused the SSPDF of mobilizing troops in Koch County to launch an assault on their forces in Mayendit.

Meanwhile, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said: “We have only received one wounded person and we are not  even sure if the person needs a referral.”

For his part, the SSPDF spokesperson, Lul Ruai Koang, denied any fight between their forces and the SPLA-IO and said:  "What happened on Friday is that there were cattle stolen from Panyijiar County and taken to Mayendit County. Local authorities say they will return the 17 stolen cattle." 

He added, "On Thursday, the army and youths from Mirnyal came to Rukuai and launched attacks against police who are in charge of the stolen cattle from Panyijiar County and not Mayendit County. Local authorities are waiting for the rest of the cattle that are still being traced before they return them to the rightful owner in Panyijiar County."

UPDATED, 6 MAY 2024 at 10: 42 am: MSF has confirmed to us that it only received one wounded person.