South Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA) national army soldiers
walk past burnt houses and buildings as they patrol in the town of
Bentiu on January 12, 2014. The town has swapped hands between rebels
and government troops several times. AFP PHOTO / SIMON MAINA
By AFP
In Summary
South Sudan's civil war entered its ninth month
Friday with rebels and government troops engaged in heavy battles, aid
workers said, days after UN warnings of sanctions if the conflict
continues.
Fighting was reported around the town of Bentiu, capital of the northern oil state of Unity, as well as in Jonglei state.
Rebel spokesman Lul Ruai Koang claimed it was the
start of a "long awaited government offensive," reporting clashes to the
east and south of Bentiu.
He also said there was fighting in the remote
village of Ayod in the eastern Jonglei state, one of the areas hardest
hit by a growing hunger crisis.
Aid workers also reported heavy shooting around
Bentiu, which has swapped hands between rebels and government troops
several times.
"We heard heavy shelling erupting early this
morning," said Timothy Ngyuai from the aid agency CARE, adding they had
taken initially been forced to take shelter in bunkers.
The army was not immediately available for comment.
The British ambassador in Juba, Ian Hughes, said
the reports of fighting were "disappointing", coming just three days
after UN Security Council envoys visiting the troubled nation warned
both the government and rebel leaders of "consequences".
"The situation there is desperate enough already," Hughes said. "Leaders need to control their fighters."
UN envoys met with President Salva Kiir in Juba
and also spoke with rebel chief Riek Machar, urging them to stick to
peace after three failed ceasefire deals.
US ambassador to the UN Samantha Power said on
Tuesday there were "very worrying reports" more weapons and arms were
being brought into South Sudan for a fresh offensive.
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