Lakes State government spokesperson said forces loyal to Riek Machar led by Lieutenant General Alfred Lodu Gore on Friday attacked national army in Pabuot area of Yirol East County killing four and wounding seven others.
Dut Makoi Kuok in a telephone interview dismissed claims that the rebels defeated government forces and killed civilians, Good News Radio reported.
The Spokesperson said government forces repulsed the attackers and inflicted heavy casualties on them.
He said the attackers were regrouping to launch another attack in the area as they force their way to Unity State.
Mr Kuok said over one thousand forces loyal to Dr Machar were trying to head to Unity through Lakes State.