The Office of the President on Tuesday denied media reports of recruiting private army at Luri area in Juba.
Presidential Press Secretary Ateny Wek Ateny told the press that the army dominated by Dinka men from Bahr El Ghazal was SPLA reserve force.
He added the reserve force proved very useful in recapturing Bor, Bentiu and Malakal when other commanders shifted to opposition forces.
Mr Ateny said President Salva Kiir did not admit recruiting a private army and that there was no need for him to do so.
SPLA Spokesperson Colonel Philip Aguer Panyang on Tuesday admitted that opposition forces were in control of parts of Malakal town of Upper Nile State.
He said there was fierce fighting on going in the area.
Colonel Aguer told journalists in Juba that he was very confident of SPLA recapturing Malakal and flashing out the attackers on Wednesday.
Fighting was continuing despite upholding Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed between Government and SPLM/A in opposition.
Media reports indicate that peace talks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia were not effective as they continue to accuse one another on violations.