One SPLA-IO soldier was killed and two others captured by SSPDF troops following an attack on a government military position in Koch County, Unity State, on Tuesday morning.

Koch County Commissioner David Gatmai Wal told Radio Tamazuj that SPLA-IO fighters launched an assault on SSPDF forces stationed in Soriah Payam.

“One SPLA-IO soldier was found dead, and two were taken alive by SSPDF this morning in Soriah Payam,” he said. “The two captured soldiers are currently being held in police custody.”

Gatmai added that the clash happened early in the morning while he was in Jack Payam. He said the attackers were pushed back and fled to an unknown location, prompting SSPDF troops to pursue them.

Meanwhile, SPLA-IO Sector Two spokesperson Major Kerbino Yai Pazale acknowledged the confrontation but gave a different account. He said their appointed military commissioner for Koch County, Col. Bany Makon Chany, was ambushed while travelling toward Koch Town, even though SSPDF forces were aware of his movement.

“The fighting started at around 1:25 a.m. on Tuesday. I was informed this morning that our military commissioner came under attack,” he said, adding that communication with the commissioner has been impossible since the incident, leaving details unclear.