The Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) on Monday said 64 people have been killed in clashes between its forces and a rebel militia in Upper Nile State in south Sudan. Spokesman of the SPLA, Philip Agwer said the rebels attacked their camp in Upper Nile State yesterday and in turn they launched a counter attack which resulted in the killing of 57 of the militiamen and seven of the SPLA soldiers.

He said the rebel militia was led by Lam Akol, a defecting leader from Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, noting that this militia is active in areas of Shuluk tribe in south Sudan. Agwer said said the SPLA has been pursuing members of the rebel militia to destroy it and bring its members to justice.

Besides, Agwer accused the Sudanese army of supporting the rebel militia in south Sudan, saying these militia centers are in Khartoum and they are sent to the south by the armed forces.