Summary South Sudan President Salva Kiir has blamed Machar for organising a coup bid.
JUBA (AFP) - South Sudan rebels loyal to fugitive former vice president Riek Machar have seized the key town of Bor, the army said Thursday, as fighting continued following an alleged failed coup bid.
"Our soldiers have lost control of Bor to the force of Riek Machar late on Wednesday," said army spokesman Philip Aguer.
"There was shooting last night... we don t have information on casualties or the displaced in the town, as operations are ongoing."
Bor, which lies some 200 kilometres (125 miles) north of Juba, is the capital of the eastern state of Jonglei, one of the most volatile regions in the young nation.
South Sudan President Salva Kiir has blamed Machar for organising a coup bid, with fighting breaking out late Sunday in Juba between army units.
But Machar, who was sacked by the president in July and is now on the run, has denied any coup attempt, and in turn accuses Kiir of using it as an excuse to purge his political rivals.
