The South Sudanese army (SPLA) clashed with rebels loyal to Dr Riek Machar in Unity State on Friday, according to a senior state official.

Unity State Security Advisor John Malok said that the fighting took place in two areas.

“Today the forces of Riek Machar attacked our forces at 6:00 in the morning in Wangkai payam,” he told Radio Tamazuj.  

“And also they attacked our forces around Bentiu, south of Bentiu in the direction of Nhialdiu,” he added. He said he was unable to provide more details because the forces were still engaged in battle.

Radio Tamazuj is yet to corroborate this information from other sources.

File photo: SPLA soldiers in Bentiu (AP)

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