Clashes broke out in Likuangole County of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) on Sunday after an alleged attack by SPLA-IO forces and their allied Nuer White Army militia, authorities said.

GPAA Information Minister Jacob Werchum Jouk said on Monday that SPLA-IO forces loyal to suspended First Vice President Riek Machar, along with the White Army, invaded the border village of Wuno in Likuangole County on Sunday morning.

He said local youth mobilized quickly and engaged the attackers in intense fighting throughout the day.

The youth eventually pushed the assailants back into neighbouring Uror County in Jonglei State, from where they had originated.

“Our local youth engaged the attackers throughout the day, and they were pushed back,” Werchum said.

“They came from Uror County, particularly the Yuai area.”

The minister declined to provide details on casualties, stating that information was still being collected.

However, he confirmed that calm had been restored in the area.

“We are still gathering details on the casualties. Our youth are in full control of the area. They managed to hold the advance by the attackers and pushed them back,” he added.

Calls to Jonglei State Information Minister Nyamar Lony went unanswered.

Uror County Commissioner James Gatkhor Gatluak could also not be reached, as his phone numbers were out of service.