Fresh fighting between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the opposition SPLA-IO broke out on Sunday in Unity State, centered around key areas west and northwest of Rubkona County.

The clashes began Sunday morning in Tor Abieth—roughly 50 km west of the state capital Bentiu and just kilometers from the vital Unity oilfields—and in Kubri-Jamus, northwest of Rubkona.

SPLA-IO Sector Two spokesperson Major Kerbino Yai Pazale said that opposition forces overran an SSPDF base in Tor Abieth.

“Our forces have no issues with civilians; we only ask them to stay away from military sites. Tor Abieth is now fully under our control,” he stated.

Major Pazale explained that the violence started after SSPDF troops attacked an SPLA-IO base in Kubri-Jamus that morning. He also reported multiple assaults on the same base the previous night, noting that tensions remain elevated across Rubkona.

Casualties from Sunday’s fighting are still unclear, with neither the number of dead nor wounded yet confirmed.

The Unity State government swiftly rejected the opposition’s claims in an official statement Sunday afternoon. State Information Minister Nyakanya Johannes Keah insisted that SSPDF units “responded promptly and professionally,” repelling attacks on Tor Abieth and retaining complete control of the area.

The statement also referenced a separate incident Saturday morning at the Dingding garrison, blaming the same “hostile forces.” It said SSPDF troops dismantled the attackers, forcing them to retreat farther away.

Authorities moved to calm public fears, declaring that peace had returned to Rubkona town and surrounding areas. They emphasized that security forces maintain firm control, daily life continues normally, and there is no danger to civilians, public facilities, or humanitarian work.

Residents were urged to stay calm, vigilant, and law-abiding.

Despite the official reassurance, local sources report widespread civilian displacement. One Kubri-Jamus resident described fleeing to the forest after fighting on Saturday and again Sunday morning.

“Pakur remains under SSPDF control, but information suggests Dingding is now held by the SPLA-IO,” the resident added.

As a critical oil-producing region in northern South Sudan, Unity State has seen repeated flare-ups. The latest incidents fit a broader pattern of disputes over military positions.

The SPLA-IO recently seized SSPDF bases in Jonglei State’s Greater Lou Nuer area and announced the capture of another small base in Wau Payam, Ayod County, on Sunday morning.

South Sudan continues to grapple with instability despite the 2018 peace deal, as signatories regularly trade accusations of ceasefire breaches and delays in implementing key security provisions.