JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — A brigadier speaking for rebels in South Sudan said Sunday that government troops have attacked their positions, actively violating a cease-fire in what he called a deliberate attempt to sabotage imminent peace talks.

Brig. Lul Ruai Koang told The Associated Press that rebel commanders in South Sudan report that government forces and allied militias attacked northern Leer town and surrounding villages in Unity state Saturday, killing an unknown number of people and destroying property. The rebels’ defensive positions in Upper Nile state also came under attack Saturday, he said.