Ten civilians were killed, including women and children in fresh violence in eastern Upper Nile State of South Sudan, according to the national army. 

SPLA spokesman Col. Philip Aguer accused forces affiliated to the SPLM/A-in-Opposition of carrying out attacks in the region.

Asked about reports of ongoing clashes in Baliet and Nasser areas, the spokesman confirmed saying, “There were clashes with the forces of Riek Machar who violated the ceasefire by bombarding Nasser town on 20 May.” 

“On the same day the Riek Machar forces attacked Baliet County and attacked Bilajubo village and killed 10 civilians,” he said. 

Aguer says that four of the victims were women, four elderly and two were children. He further accused them of looting properties of the citizens in Baliet County.

In the case of the Nasser attack, the SPLA spokesman emphasized that the rebel troops used artillery and not infantry, saying the town was still under SPLA control.