Militias and Sudan Armed Forces military from the Joint Integrated Units (JIU) were involved in heavy fighting in Malakal.
SCR News reporter said via mobile telephone that heavy shooting was heard at the JIU headquarters in Hai Malakia from the evening of yesterday.
The same source added that many residents fled the area since the shooting started.
The fighting stopped around midday.
Hospital sources in Malakal said six people were killed Ð two military and four civilians Ð and 21 were wounded until 3 PM.
They said they were expecting more casualties to be brought in.
SPLA spokesperson Colonel Philip Aguer Panyang told SCR News over the phone that the fighting started at about 9 PM between SAF forces and troops loyal to Major General Gabriel Tanginya, both integrating the JIU.
The JIU was ordered by Khartoum to transfer its heavy armament to the North and the Tanginya forces objected.
Col. Aguer said the evacuation of heavy weapons started the day before yesterday and Tanginya’s men yesterday tried to stop it but were pushed out of the place by their SAF comrades.
He added that the situation is under control and the SPLA created a buffer zone between the fighting groups.
Col. Aguier said Mr.l Tanginya is somewhere in the Shilluk kingdom with his men coming from Khartoum.