Fighting between government forces and forces loyal to Dr. Riek Machar has been reported in Malakal town.

Yesterday, Upper Nile state Minister of Information Philip Jiben told Eye Radio that there was tension in the town after it was reported that armed men loyal to Dr. Machar were moving to recapture the town.

Officials from Dr. Machar’s side say they have launched an attack in a bid to recapture Malakal from government forces.

The SPLA spokesperson, Philip Aguer, was unable to confirm this to Eye Radio this morning. He said the army will make an official statement this afternoon.

Efforts to reach Upper Nile state Minister of Information were in vain as communication with Malakal town has been down since this morning.

Eye Radio spoke to the Press Secretary of Fashoda County, Al Shiek Mather.

Mr. Mather said heavy gunshot and artillery fire could be heard from Malakal this morning.

“We heard the sounds of heavy gunfire and artillery at a distance because Malakal is far away from here,” he described.

“There seems to be fighting going on in Malakal. But there is no confirmation, because the network doesn’t operate in the town.”

Eye Radio will bring you an update on this story this afternoon.