South Sudan’s army is advancing on the key rebel-held centres of Bentiu and Bor, as rebels strengthen defences in Bentiu.
An army spokesman was quoted as saying that government troops were “next to Bentiu” and some 15km away from Bor. Reports say hundreds have fled violence in Bor.
At least 1,000 people have been killed in fighting since 15 December.
Regionally brokered talks to declare a ceasefire have stalled.
People who escaped the violence told a foreign news agency that gunmen shot dead fleeing civilians, torched entire villages and looted crops.
Hundreds of people were fleeing to the town of Minkammen, about 25km (15 miles) south of Bor.
About 80,000 people had already taken refuge there.
Meanwhile, South Sudan’s rebels are strengthening their defences in Bentiu in anticipation of a government attempt to overtake the area.
A tank was brought in while heavily armed men looted Bentiu’s city centre, while thousands of residents fled to a UN base, a UN official said.
More than 200,000 people have been displaced by the fighting.
The conflict erupted after President Salva Kiir accused his ex-deputy, Riek Machar, of plotting a coup – a charge he strongly denied.
South Sudan’s army closing in on rebels in Bor and Bentiu
