Southern Sudanese government troops have beat back rebels who attacked the capital of the south's oil-rich Upper Nile state.
Officials say fighting erupted early Saturday in Malakal between the militia, led by a man known as Olonyi, and the Sudan People's Liberation Army.
SPLA spokesman said the the militia started shooting in the center of the town.
Authorities say at least 17 people were injured in the attack.
The French news agency reports several policemen were killed in the pre-dawn attack.
South Sudan, which is due to gain international recognition in July after a January referendum backed independence from the north, has witnessed a wave of deadly clashes with rebel groups in recent weeks.
Southern leaders accuse northern Sudan of backing the rebels, a charge northern leaders have denied.