At least 23 people were killed in the fighting in Unity State capital, Bentiu yesterday, the State Minister of Information has said.

Fresh clashes between the government forces and the SPLA in Opposition forces were reported in Rubkona and Bentiu towns yesterday.

According to the State Minister of Information, Peter Makuth, the fight started on Monday and continued till yesterday.

“After they attacked Bentiu, our forces that were in Bentiu withdrew towards Rubkona. So after that the SPLA in Opposition forces were searching from house to house.” He said.

“Ten bodies were found in the Catholic Church in the area called Dera two. These are the bodies which were found yesterday, like 23 bodies and all these are civilians.” He added.

He told Eye Radio this morning that calm has returned to the town.

Both the government and the SPLA in Opposition forces claim to be in control of Bentiu town.