More than one source has independently verified the outbreak of fighting in Malakal, the capital city of the oil rich Upper Nile State.
The fighting started at approximately 06:00 today (Tuesday).
Reports from the ground indicate that the fighting is SPLA versus SPLA.
Division 7 is in the midst of internal clashes over whether to follow the command of former Vice President Riak Machar or government forces still loyal to President Salva Kiir.
Machar’s field commander in Malakal is Major General Lual Chol.
Upper Nile State Governor Simon Kun Puoch, believed to sided with President Kiir, is said to have taken refuge in the UNMISS compound.
With essentially no road access into Malakal the battle is over control of the airport, which has the capacity to land international flights.
If Machar’s forces capture Upper Nile State, it would put him in control of all oil producing areas of South Sudan.