SPLA soldiers display weapons during the 2nd Independence Day Anniversary in Juba - July 9, 2013

A group of armed men attacked SPLA soldiers this morning in Rubkona County, Unity state.

No casualties have been reported.

Unity state caretaker Governor Dr. Joseph Nguen Monytuil says the situation is now under control.

“These people are a group of criminals and they attacked the army. The situation is now under control, the fighting has stopped. We are collecting more information now about this attack.”

“Early this morning,” explained our correspondent in Bentiu, Simon Mayak, “those in Rubkona County tried to launch a revenge attack on those of Guit County.

“But the police and [SPLA] Division 4 tried to prevent them from launching the attack, but they refused, and so ended up exchanging gun fire with Division 4 and the police.

“But the information is still not clear.”

Last week, 7 people were killed and 9 others wounded in internal clashes between Rubkona and Guit Counties.

State government officials called an emergency meeting to stop escalating tensions among civilians.

Officials say the dispute is between the Leek and Jiekany communities over a contested area in Maderas.