Brig Lul Ruai Koang, SPLA Spokesperson [Courtesy photo]

The SPLA says it is now calm in Raja town in Lol State, after an attack this morning by gunmen the army describes as “criminals and bandits”.

Military spokesperson Brigadier Lul Ruai Koang says the army repulsed the attackers, but he could not provide casualty figures.

State officials told Eye Radio this morning that the attackers targeted houses of government officials.

Some, including the SPLM secretary in the state Khamis Ahmed, said they were on the run.

However, Brigadier Ruai told Eye Radio that the attack was on the defensive positions of the army.

“SPLA-IO top leadership agreed to fight alongside SPLA forces against anti-peace elements,” Brig Ruai said.

“SPLA would like to assure the people of South Sudan that it has ability and capability to defeat armed criminals who are fighting against the implementation of the peace agreement and reconciliation.”