At least 12 killed in South Sudan's oil-rich state

JUBA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- At least 12 soldiers were killed and 13 others wounded in South Sudan's northern oil-rich Unity State following a rebel attack in Mayom County Friday.

Lul Ruai Koang, the spokesperson of the South Sudan's People's Defense Force (SSPDF), said the deadly incident happened at 2 a.m. when rebel forces loyal to Stephen Buay, the opposition leader and head of the South Sudan People's Movement/Army attacked Mayom County headquarters, killing the County Commissioner James Chuol Gatluak, some of his family members and bodyguards.