South Sudanese rebel group SPLA-IO has acknowledged losing more than 20 soldiers in fighting south of Bentiu, while claiming to have inflicted higher casualties on the government troops and repulsed their attacks.

The newly appointed commander of the rebel 4th Division in Unity State, Brig-General Simon Maguek Gai Majak, told Radio Tamazuj over satellite phone that the government was responsible for the renewal of hostilities.

He confirmed 20 more soldiers were killed from their side while 30 others were wounded as a result of Tuesday’s fighting alone. 

Majak accused government forces of violating the ceasfire with attacks across different front lines since 31 December 2014. 

“It is over a week now that the government continues with its attacks on our positions trying to regain more territories but we have defeated them,” said the senior commander.

Majak said forces loyal to the government launched attacks on the Guit and Nhialdiu roads, adding they have retreated back into Bentiu with heavy loss of lives.

“Today pro government forces attacked our positions in Thowmangor, Niemchidong and Zhorbor and were all repulsed back to the main capital Bentiu,” added Majak.

According to rebel commander the fighting on Tuesday lasted for six hours, starting at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 3:00 p.m. when the prop-government troops were pushed back.

Separately, a state government official in Unity State on Tuesday morning confirmed to Radio Tamazuj fighting in the state southeast of Bentiu, blaming SPLA-IO for attacking their positions.  

Related: 

SPLA-IO accused of waging attack near Bentiu (6 Jan.)