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1st LD: Renewed fighting rocks South Sudan capital

Xinhua, July 11, 2016 Adjust font size:

Heavy fighting erupted again on Monday in South Sudan's capital Juba between government troops of President Salva Kiir and forces loyal to Vice President Riek Machar.

Witnesses told Xinhua that heavy artillery shelling and mortars were heard on Monday morning in parts of the capital city including Hai Cinema, Jebel, Gudele, Tomping and the airport.

"As we are talking now, there are heavy explosions all over Juba. The rival factions are using heavy artillery and mortars to attack each other," a witness told Xinhua by phone.

Another witness said he saw civilians fleeing their homes as mortars, grenades, and heavy ground assault weaponry were used by both sides.

The Health Ministry says at least 271 people were killed in clashes between the rival factions on Friday in Juba. Fighting resumed on Sunday in the capital city.

The exact number of those killed in fighting since Sunday is not known, but an UN source says two Chinese peacekeepers have been killed. Endit