The Pigi County Commissioner said clashes took place from last week until Monday following attacks by rebels allied to former vice president Riek Machar.

Abraham Dau told Radio Tamazuj Monday that opposition fighters have been shelling the county with mortars.

Dau said opposition fighters came in large numbers from Nyirol, Pangak and Ayod Counties to attack Malakal town. He said government forces are currently stationed at Doleib Hill on the northern bank of the Sobat river which divides Upper Nile from Pigi in Jonglei.

He said the government lost soldiers during the fighting, but said details of clashes are still emerging.

Dau called upon IGAD and other international community to stop the war in South Sudan.

Philip Aguer, SPLA spokesman said he had not received the report of alleged fighting in Pigi County but did accuse the rebels of shelling Doleib Hill with mortars.

He also denied claims by rebel deputy military spokesman James Lony that the government hired Rwandan troops to plant landmines around Renk.

Aguer further accused the rebels of violating the cessation of hostilities signed in May.

Photo: Pangak in Jonglei (courtesy: Medair)

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