Opposition forces in South Sudan’s Unity State launched mortar shells at the state capital today, according to government sources.  

SPLA spokesman Philip Aguer said the shelling was coming from the southeast of Bentiu. “There are no injuries yet as a result of this shelling. There are no casualties.”

He noted, “This is not an attack by ground forces – these are artillery attacks with mortars on the areas inside Bentiu. But the forces of SPLA are controlling Bentiu city and the area around it.”

Another security official in Bentiu, however, said that SPLA ground forces responded to the mortar attacks.

He said, “The rebels made shelling since 9:00 this morning… they came from the east of the state and the north of the state from the side of Kuergeny,” also clarifying that they came from Nhialdiu and Guit directions.

He said that the group that came from the eastern direction of Guit were repulsed by SPLA forces up to Kuergeny, about 20 kilometers from the city. The shelling ended after about half an hour because of the quick SPLA response, he said.

The security official also disclosed that there was a clash two days ago in the Wangkai area.

Map: Areas of control last year with SPLA-IO contesting areas in purple and government controlling Bentiu plus the green areas (Small Arms Survey)