Col Philip Aguer, SPLA Spokesman.

The army has denied media reports that they have lost contact with their troops in Malakal following a major offensive by Riek Machar forces.

The French news agency AFP had quoted the SPLA Spokesperson Philip Aguer as saying yesterday that he “had no contact with the command in Malakal”.

‘‘That is not true, it was misquoting our statement. What we stated last time is that it is extremely difficult to connect with Malakal because of the network, which is not functioning well. Anybody can testify, you try to call Malakal, it is not possible”, the government Army Spokesperson said.

Colonel Philip Aguer said that Machar forces killed civilians inside churches and hospital yesterday.

Aguer said that the SPLA is in control of part of Malakal and that Machar forces control part:

He said “The SPLA is controlling the Northern part of Malakal and the rebels are in the Southern sector of Malakal and the rebels have   killed people in the church and they have killed people in the hospital.  That is the situation in Malakal and the SPLA will bring back the control of the town 100%.’’

The United Nations said that 10 people were killed last night in inter-communal clashes within a peacekeeping base in Malakal.

The fighting in the country has left thousands dead and displaced 873,000 people, including tens of thousands in UNMISS bases.