Heavy fighting erupted in 'Fangak State', located in what is otherwise known as Phow State in greater Jonglei when government troops launched an offensive against opposition forces, the rebels said.

Khan Rom, the press secretary of the rebel-appointed governor of Phow State, told Radio Tamazuj today that their positions at Wau County in Ayod area came under assault by government troops over the last two days but they were repulsed.

The rebel official said the government forces were seeking to capture Wau County, which he said is under their control.

 “The negative forces were then instantly repulsed badly and destroyed by Division 7 forces in Wau where the enemy incurred heavy loses,” Khan said.

He claimed that the security situation in Wau County returned to normal and that civilians are still in their homes.

A source in Fangak area also confirmed that there was fighting in the area of Ayod between government and opposition forces. He pointed out that dozens of wounded people were taken to Akobo area for treatment.

Lul Ruai Koang, spokesman for the SPLA army in Juba, denied reports that they were engaged in fighting with opposition troops in Fangak state. He claimed that the area of Wau in Fangak state is under their control.

South Sudan descended into civil war in 2013, only two years after its independence, when President Salva Kiir removed his deputy, Riek Machar.