ZANZIBAR, Tanzania (AP) — South Sudan's government forces have overtaken the rebel-held stronghold and opposition headquarters of Pagak, along the Ethiopian border, William Gatjiath Deng, spokesman for the opposition IO, told The Associated Press. "They took the main town and our forces are now regrouping," said Deng, reached by phone. Army spokesman Lul Ruai Koang did not confirm the reports saying that he's "not aware" of Pagak's takeover. Since South Sudan spiraled into civil war almost four years ago, Pagak has been the headquarters of the opposition rebels, led by former Vice President Riek Machar, who is in exile in South Africa. The IO rebels still hold territory in Panyijiar County in Unity state as well rural areas of Jonglei state and Akobo state, traditionally areas where South Sudan's Nuer people live.

Source: Ethiopian News August 07, 2017 13:07 UTC