Renewed fighting breaks out across South Sudan capital

JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — Renewed gunfights broke out across South Sudan's capital Sunday between forces loyal to the president and those of the vice president, officials said Sunday, causing widespread casualties and raising fears that the country is returning to civil war.

Government forces attacked a rebel base in the Jebel area of the capital Sunday morning, said William Gatjiath Deng, a spokesman for the rebel forces.

The army confirmed the Sunday clashes but it is not clear how the fighting started, said army spokesman Lul Ruai Koang, who is in the SPLA general headquarters at Bilpham.

There have been huge explosions in Gudele and people are leaving the area by foot, said a resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear for her safety.

There is serious fighting between government and opposition forces, including near the airport, U.N. mission locations, Jebel and elsewhere throughout Juba.