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.
Dear reporter,the govt troops should not advance to rebel held territories to prevent further escalation of violence and more civilian deaths,rather they should proceed with cessation of hostilities,but the situation still remains complex since the army is split into two,according to my observation peace may not be realized soon considering ethnic undertones currently in place,UPDF continued presence will instead worsen the situation.
To end all these disaster Kiir should deviate his mind from holding the detainees. He should not continue sending innocent citizens to die in war as they defend the kook president.If Kiir dont want peace than he want even himself to die as bitter from the blood of the innocent nuer he allow his dinka to kiir. MAY KIIR REST IN PEACE BECOZ HE MUST DIE.WE ARE TIRED OF A TRIBALIST LIKE HIM
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