{{Rebel forces led by South Sudan’s former president, Riek Machar, say they are now in full control of Malakal, the capital of oil-rich Upper Nile state, following fierce battles on Tuesday morning with government troops and their foreign allies.}}
Rebel military spokesperson Brig Lul Ruai Koang told Sudan Tribune on Tuesday that forces loyal to president Salva Kiir were flushed out from Malakal town and were being pursued towards Akok county.
It’s the third time Malakal, a strategic town located about 497km from the South Sudan capital, Juba, has fallen to rebel forces since conflict broke out in the country over two months ago.
Koang accused the government and its allies of provoking the rebels prior to the recapture of the state capital.
“The government troops and its allies today(Tuesday) in the morning launched unprovoked, simultaneous attacks on our defensive positions, 7km south and 5km east of Malakal town. The attacking forces were repulsed, pursued and flushed out of their last stronghold north of Malakal town,” said Koang.
He also accused neighbouring Uganda of military involvement in the battles, saying its jet fighters had dropped several bombs on rebel positions around Malakal.
“While close combat engagements were ongoing, Kiir’s troops received massive air support from Uganda warplanes. Our gallant forces under the direct command of Maj. Gen. Chayuot Manyang and under the overall command of Maj. Gen. Gathoth Gatkuoth are still chasing the remnants of government troops towards Akoka county,” Koang said.
He added that rebels were yet to ascertain the number of casualties on the ground from both sides.
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