Thousands trapped in South Sudan town of Yei

In South Sudan, a humanitarian and security alert has been issued for 100,000 people trapped in the town of Yei, which has until now been largely spared from an upsurge in fighting.

According to the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, deadly and direct attacks on civilians and looting has forced tens of thousands of people to seek shelter in the town in recent weeks.

The UN agency's William Spindler, said; "Terrorized men and women spoke of horrific violence against civilians before and during their flight, including assault, targeted killing, mutilation, looting and burning of property. Several civilians have been hacked to death, including women and children."

All of those in Yei town, which is located about 150 kilometers south-west of the capital Juba, are now in as much need as those displaced by almost three years of internal conflict, UNHCR has warned.

The fighting has its roots in a political row between two leaders serving in the same government; it's led to the deaths of tens of thousands of people and forced some 2.6 million to flee their homes.

SOURCE: UN Radio