The Unity state government said the SPLA-IO rebels are preparing to launch a new attack on SPLA-Juba forces in Bentiu town.

State security advisor John Malok told Radio Tamazuj that rebels loyal to former vice president Riek Machar have come closer to the town in advance of an attack.

Malok claimed the rebels are in Guit, 20 miles from Bentiu, and in Nhialdieu, which is two hours away by foot.

“They are waiting [for] guns that will come to them tomorrow from Sudan and any time as soon as the received guns they are ready to attack us,” Malok claimed.

He claimed the rebels received ammunition from Sudan on Sunday and reinforcements last week from Fangak in Jonglei State.

Malok alleged that the rebels are recruiting local youths as well.

He said the forces in Bentiu won’t attack but are ready to repulse any rebel provocations.

Radio Tamazuj was unable to reach rebel military information officers in Unity state due to poor network.

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