At least four South Sudanse soldiers have been killed and another seven wounded in clashes at the military barracks in Yei River County of Central Equatorial state, according to County Commissioner Bedale Cosmos.

Cosmos told Radio Tamazuj this morning that the shooting erupted in the barracks after a dispute between two commanders of SPLA-Juba forces in the area.

“The fighting broke out at 9:00 a.m. between former commander of SPLA Wounded Heroes Maj. Akech and the current commander Col. Chol,” he said.  

The dispute was about money and power, according to the commissioner. He further said many people living near the barracks have fled to seek safety.

However, the commissioner declined to comment further because he said he was only briefed on the issue remotely, being in Juba at the moment and not Yei.

Meanwhile, a journalist working in Yei told Radio Tamazuj that he has not yet confirmed the number of soldiers killed in the battle at the barracks.

The shooting abruptly started after the former SPLA disabled unit commander Maj. Akech entered the barracks with a vehicle mounted with guns, according the Yei-based journalist.

SPLA spokesman Philip Aguer did not pick up the telephone when contacted by Radio Tamazuj.