Death toll after clash in violent region of South Sudan rises to 71

JUBA, South Sudan –  Leaders in South Sudan say the civilian death toll from a weekend attack in a remote part of the country has risen from 41 to 79.

Officials say the Sunday attack was carried out by rebels loyal to militia leader David Yau Yau, who has denied his forces were involved.

Twic East County Commissioner Dau Akoi Jurkuch said Wednesday that the death toll has risen to 79 and the number of wounded stands at 87. Diing Akol, a top Jonglei official, said dead bodies of rebels confirm Yau Yau fighters were involved.

South Sudan accuses Khartoum of supporting Yau Yau in order to sabotage plans to build an oil pipeline through Ethiopia to the Port of Djibouti and block plans to explore for oil in Jonglei state.