The US Ambassador to South Sudan Michael J. Adler - Eye Radio/ Stephen Omiri

The Embassy of the United States in Juba says it is gravely concerned over recent reports of fighting in Leer County, Unity State, and urged the transitional government to end the violence.

At least six soldiers including a Brigadier General were killed in Tuesday’s fighting involving an SPLA–IO splinter group and forces loyal to Dr. Riek Machar in Leer County, according to a Unity State government spokesperson.

David Gai told Eye Radio that soldiers with different ranks sides were killed including Bridger General Nyuon Duol who was loyal to SPLA-IO defector General Simon Maguek.

Unity state Information Minister says the security situation in Leer is relatively calm after the state government intervened and stopped the fighting on Tuesday.

In an email to the Eye Radio newsroom Wednesday, the Embassy said it is particularly concerned about reports of casualties and displacement of civilians.

“We call on the transitional government to act with urgency to end the violence. All those in positions of authority and influence in South Sudan must commit to resolving differences through peaceful dialogue,” the statement partly reads.

The Embassy recalled the history of horrific human rights violations and extrajudicial killings in Unity State and renewed its call for accountability of past human rights violations.

“We renew our call on the transitional government to release the long-delayed findings of the investigation into the April 2022 violence in Leer County. The perpetrators must be held accountable,” it added