130 rebels killed in South Sudan fighting

South Sudanese government troops have killed up to 130 rebels in the latest fighting following the collapse of peace talks between president Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar, the military said.

Brigadier Philip Aguer said government troops and rebel forces engaged in serious fighting in the oil-producing Upper Nile state. He said 14 government soldiers were also killed in fighting in Manyo County.

He said the rebels were dislodged from their positions and some fled toward Sudanese territory.

South Sudan has seen violence since 2013 when government troops in the capital, Juba, splintered and fought along ethnic lines.

Peace talks have failed despite international pressure.