A commander of the SPLA-IO faction has accused SPLA-Juba forces of launching a fresh attack in Fangak County of northern Jonglei State on Wednesday.

Colonel Gatdor Tut Luony from SPLA-IO told Radio Tamazuj by satellite phone from Phom area that fighting broke out in the early morning on Wednesday around Diel and Pachot areas.

He claimed that pro-government forces intended to overrun the headquarters of Fangak County. He said they were commanded by Brigadier General John Maluit Wich.

The spokesman of SPLA-Juba, Colonel Philip Aguer, speaking by phone on Thursday, confirmed that there were clashes in Fangak area starting yesterday and continuing today.

Aguer was not available to provide details. However, he denied that Brigadier General John Maluit Wich was involved in the fighting, saying this commander was presently at headquarters at Bilpham.

According to Luony, the attack on Fangak County is a violation of the ceasefire deal which requires both warring parties to refrain from any aggression. He said also the aim of the attack was to disrupt the SPLM-IO consultation conference that is set to take place in Pagak, Upper Nile.

No further independent information was available to confirm whether the reported clash was serious or not.