Five SPLA soldiers and two civilians were killed and eight soldiers injured when pastoralists resisted a disarmament exercise on Monday in Akot Payam of Rumbek East County.
SPLA spokesman Major General Kuol Deim Kuol confirmed the deaths during a shootout that lasted three hours, Gurtong website reported.Mr. Deim said civilians carrying guns resisting being disarmed and organised an attack on the SPLA unit.
Colonel Mou Wol Lueth, the commander of the force, was shot and seriously wounded in both legs.
The wounded are currently admitted at Yirol West County hospital.
Mr. Deim added the situation in Akot is calm after the SPLA sent in reinforcements based in Yirol County.