US weighs targeted sanctions against South Sudan.

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The United States is weighing targeted sanctions against South Sudan due to its leaders' failure to take steps to end a crisis that has brought the world's youngest nation to the brink of civil war, sources briefed on US discussions told Reuters.

"It's a tool that has been discussed," a source told Reuters on condition of anonymity about the possibility of US sanctions against those blocking peace efforts or fueling violence in South Sudan. Another source confirmed the remarks, though both declined to provide details on the precise measures under consideration.

Hundreds dead, up to 20 thousands flee South Sudan clashes to UN

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Juba (AFP) – Hundreds of people have died and up to 20,000 others have fled to UN bases in days of fierce fighting within South Sudan’s army after an alleged coup bid, officials said.

The United States ordered non-essential embassy staff out of the country, the world’s youngest nation and awash with guns after decades of war, amid fears of a descent into wider ethnic violence.

In the capital Juba, gunfire still rang out into the early hours of Wednesday morning, an AFP reporter said.

“There are people walking in the city this morning, but it would be premature to say things are back to normal,” he said.