Sudantribune.com: South Sudanese army recapture Upper Nile state capital

July 6, 2015 (MALAKAL) - The South Sudanese army has regained control of the Upper Nile state capital, Malakal, barely a week after it fell to the armed opposition forces.

SPLA soldiers sit at the back of a pick-up truck in Malakal, Upper Nile state January 12, 2014. (Photo Reuters/Andreea Campeanu)

Eye witnesses within Malakal and those at the United Nations mission in South Sudan camps said pro-government forces appear to be in control of the strategic town.

Heavy shelling could reportedly be heard since Tuesday when the two warring factions battled each other outside the town in an attempt to retake Koka and Melut from the army.

"After fighting outside Malalak along the road that goes to Koka, the rebels returned running to Malakal and majority of them started leaving the town. This morning, the SPLA started shelling the town heavy as they moved in. We could see only the SPLA presence in town and the rebels are out"?, an eye witness told Sudan Tribune Monday.

The spokesperson for the armed opposition leader, James Gatdet Dak said the rebels pulled out of the town, which changed hands several times between the rival factions.

"Our forces have tactically withdrawn from Malakal today Monday," he said in a short message sent to the Sudan Tribune.

Peace talks between the two warring factions were due this month, despite the ongoing military confrontations between the two rivals as the conflict enters its 20th month.

UN CONFIRMS MALAKAL TAKE OVER

The deputy spokesperson for UN secretary general, Farhan Haq said its mssion in South Sudan (UNMISS) reportedly heard three mortar rounds this morning fired from positions northeast of the mission’s compound towards Malakal town in the oil-rich region.

"Shortly thereafter, UNMISS observed approximately 400 SPLA troops driving past its compound in the direction of Malakal town led by tanks and armored personnel carriers," Haq said in a brief statement he extended to Sudan Tribune on Monday.

"No fighting was subsequently heard, indicating that SPLA troops have regained control of the Upper Nile State capital and armed opposition forces had withdrawn from Malakal prior to the arrival of government troops", he added.