26 killed, 140 injured in South Sudan clashes

The South Sudan government Tuesday said military clashes in the country's capital city of Juba since Sunday night have left 26 people dead and 140 injured.

"We got the official statistics the health authorities and hospitals in Juba," Xinhua quoted South Sudan's State Minister for Health Makur Korion as saying.

Meanwhile, gun fire continued till Tuesday morning in Juba, the local media said.

However, the situation in Juba was under control, army spokesperson Philip Aguer said.

"We have completely controlled the situation, and we are dealing with some pockets which the rebels use as shelters."

Aguer declined to give details on casualties in the incident, saying: "Yes, there were casualties, but presently we do not have accurate details."

Violent clashes erupted late Sunday in Juba between two groups, both belonging to the presidential guard, according to the military.

South Sudan's presidency said in a statement that the armed clashes were a military coup attempt planned by sacked vice president Riek Machar.