South Sudan rebels seize key town of Bor

South Sudanese rebels loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar have seized control of Bor, the capital of restive Jonglei state, the town's mayor said on Wednesday.

Nhial Majak Nhial told Reuters government troops loyal to President Salva Kiir had made a "tactical withdrawal" to Malual Chaat army barracks, 3 km south of the town on Tuesday, after fighting that started at dawn. "Yes they (rebels) have taken Bor," Nhial, said from the national capital Juba, 190 km south of Bor by road. (Reuters)