Clashes in South Sudan capital Juba as troops foil 'attempted coup'
President says capital Juba is under control after fierce fighting forces civilians to flee
The president of South Sudan said yesterday he had defeated a coup attempt following a night of fierce fighting between rival troops in Juba, the capital of the newly independent nation.
The clashes broke out in a barracks close to the city centre shortly before midnight and spread across the city, diplomats and witnesses said, adding that heavy machine guns and mortars were used.
The United Nations said hundreds of terrified civilians had sought refuge in a UN compound, while across the city most residents locked themselves in their homes or tried to flee.
President Salva Kiir blamed troops loyal to his arch-rival - former vice-president Riek Machar, who was sacked from the government in July - for starting the "attempted coup" and branded him a "prophet of doom".
"Your government is in full control of the security situation in Juba. The attackers fled and your forces are pursuing them. I promise you justice will prevail," he said in a speech.
"I will not allow or tolerate such incidents once again in our new nation. I strongly condemn these criminal actions in the strongest terms possible," said Kiir, who was dressed in military uniform rather than his trademark suit and cowboy hat.
He said an overnight curfew would be imposed from 6pm to 6am and would remain in force until further notice.