United Nations Mission in South Sudan or UNMISS Resident Representative said he was deeply troubled, condemning the outbreak of violence in Bentiu between government and SPLM/A in opposition forces.
In a statement obtained by CRN, Toby Lanzer said heavy sustained small arms and artillery fire was heard southeast of their base in Bentiu between 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM on Friday.
He disclosed that one artillery shell exploded next to the base and that it was fortunate that nobody was injured.
Mr Lanzer added that about 400 civilians took shelter with UNMISS troops stationed at the airport and later were escorted to the Protection of Civilians area in the UNMISS compound outside Bentiu.
He called on those responsible for the hostilities to refrain from any further violence and avoid any action that hinders the protection or provision of assistance by UNMISS and aid agencies.