DHAKA: A UN official in South Sudan has spoken of an atmosphere of fear and desperation as violence escalates.

Humanitarian Co-ordinator Toby Lanzer told the BBC about summary executions in Bor, in the restive state of Jonglei that has fallen to rebels.

The UN mission in South Sudan has urged rival political leaders to agree a truce and open negotiations.

Clashes broke out between troops loyal to president Salva Kiir and others backing his former deputy a week ago.

Meanwhile the US said it had evacuated its citizens from Bor.

Earlier the South Sudanese army confirmed that Bentiu, the capital of oil-rich Unity State, had also fallen to troops supporting former vice-president Riek Machar.

‘Bentiu is not in our hands,’ said military spokesman Philip Aguer.

President Salva Kiir has accused Machar of attempting a coup.

BDST: 1424 HRS, DEC 23, 2013
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor