A South Sudanese military official says five soldiers were killed in a shootout last night between opposing army factions in the capital.
Lul Ruai Koang, a spokesman for government troops, accused a convoy of soldiers loyal to former rebel leader and sitting First Vice President Riek Machar of opening fire on a checkpoint manned by troops from President Salva Kiir's faction.
William Gatjieth, a spokesman for Machar's faction, accused Kiir's soldiers of firing on an opposition convoy as it approached the checkpoint in the Gudele area of Juba. He said two soldiers from his side were wounded.
The opposing army factions have been stationed in Juba since April, part of a peace deal signed last year meant to unite the warring factions after more than two years of civil war.
