The SPLA says oil facilities in Melut, Upper Nile State, are undamaged.

The statement comes after it retook the town from the SPLM in opposition forces yesterday.

The opposition had seized the town ‘for less than 24 hours’ as they tried to advance to the oilfields in Paloch.

SPLA spokesman Col Philip Aguer told Eye Radio that the fighting was heavy but he did not specify the casualty figures.

“Rebel forces have tried to advance towards oil fields to destroy the oil installations and they controlled Melut for less than 24 hours,” Col Aguer said.

“Now, the SPLA is in full control of the Melut town – the threats against the oil fields are eliminated.”

The SPLM in Opposition has confirmed the fighting. However, deputy military spokesman Dickson Gatluak says his forces withdrew tactically from the town.

He says his forces are in control of Thangrial oil refinery, a claim the government has denied.

The advance of the opposition forces come after General Johnson Olony moved away from the government several days ago.

No oil workers evacuated

Meanwhile, the government has denied media reports that workers have evacuated from the oilfields in Upper Nile State.

This week, the SPLM in Opposition reportedly warned all oil companies operating in Upper Nile to shut down their operations and evacuate their staff immediately.

Presidential press secretary Ateny Wek Ateny says there is no threat to oil companies.

“The warning that has been issues to oil workers in the oil fields was not coming from the government because the government is not feeling any threat,” Mr Ateny stated.

“The government is in full control and so, no need for oil workers to be evacuated from anywhere in Upper Nile State.”