At least three officers from South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) were killed in an ambush by unknown gunmen in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.

Initial reports circulating online Wednesday suggested that the local armed militia, known as the White Army, had clashed with the national army. However, SSPDF spokesperson Maj Gen Lul Ruai Koang refuted the claims in a text message to local broadcaster Radio Tamazuj.

“SSPDF didn’t fight with armed youth, but some officers and their bodyguards, who had visited Nasir town, were waylaid by unidentified gunmen en-route to their barrack,” Koang explained.

“The ambush resulted in the death of three officers and left another wounded. The casualties include two majors and a regimental sergeant major (R/SM).”

Separately, Reath Muoch Tang, a national MP representing Nasir, raised concerns over violence in Nasir County on Wednesday, saying there was fighting between civilians and SSPDF soldiers in the area. The lawmaker called on the national government to intervene.

The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in the country. The reason behind the violence in Nasir County remains unclear.