South Sudan’s government claimed it had full control of Nasser in Upper Nile state after a serious battle on Wednesday morning.

Last week the rebels entered Nasser town at the airport while government forces retreated to the military barracks.

Speaking to press at Bilpham Military base in Juba, SPLA spokesperson Philip Aguer said the government forces are in full control of the town.

He said at least 83 rebel bodies were found dead on the 20th in Nasser, with 52 killed in Ayod. He said five government soldiers were confirmed dead and 18 wounded, denying reports that over 100 government troops were killed when they entered Nasser.

These numbers could not be independently verified by Radio Tamazuj.

Aguer said shelling continued in Ayod.

UNMISS spokesperson Joe Contreras told Radio Tamazuj Friday morning that they received reports from their base in Nasser that SPLA forces drove the rebels out on Thursday afternoon.

Contreras said the rebels left the town after a serious exchange of gunfire for two days. He said the opposition forces fled east of Nasser.