A high-level delegation headed by the Minister of Defense and the Minister of Petroleum and Mining visited the oil fields in Melut County of Upper Nile State yesterday.

Oil fields in Melut County are the only functioning crude oil facility in South Sudan after the conflict erupted in 2013.

It has been under clashes between the government and the SPLA-In Opposition forces.

SPLA Spokesperson, Colonel Philip Aguer had revealed that his forces took control of the area on Wednesday after it was captured by the opposition on Tuesday.

The fight led to displacement of civilians and evacuation of oil workers. China has reportedly evacuated 400 staff from the oil fields due to insecurity.

Presidential Press Secretary Ateny Wek Ateny says the visit of Kuol Manyang and Stephen Dhieu was to assure oil workers of protection.

“So, first it is to register their solidarity with the soldiers – the gallant forces of the SPLA to tell them that the government is behind them,” Mr Ateny said.

“….to assure the oil workers that…the government forces are under control; they will be able to protect them should anything happen in the area of oil – the government forces are capable of defending the oil installations.”

Aid agencies and International organizations have condemned the fighting in Upper Nile State.