South Sudan's fresh fighting kills over 50 near Malakal

Fresh clashes between government and opposition forces near the northern town of Malakal have killed at least 56 over the weekend, a military spokesman said late Sunday.

Brigadier General Lul Ruai Koang, Sudan People's Liberation Army spokesman told reporters in Malakal that the fighters linked to former Vice President Riek Machar Friday evening attacked two government bases near Malakal.

Koang claimed that 56 rebel fighters were killed and dozens of weapons seized, without giving causalities from the government side.

"They attacked us on the western side of the Nile. Over 56 rebels were killed," Koang said.

A local area commander, Butrus Bol Bol told Xinhua in Malakal that the rebels attacked their bases at Worjok and Alelo, West of the River Nile late Friday.

Koang said rebel forces have intensified attacks on government units, adding that the army registered eight attacks in the past week. He further said another 62 were killed across South Sudan in similar clashes last week.

Violence flared in South Sudan on July 8 after fighting broke out between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and former vice president Riek Machar, causing deaths in hundreds and displacement of over 100,000 people into neighboring countries. Endit