South Sudan clashes 'killed 50'

South Sudan At least 50 people were killed in this week's clashes between the South Sudan's army and militias in the town of Malakal, UN officials say. One UN official said 14 civilians and scores of combatants had been killed, while another put the figure at about 50 people altogether. The army and a militia previously backed by Khartoum exchanged heavy gunfire in the volatile town. Correspondents say tensions between north and south remain high. A 21-year civil war ended in 2005 with a peace deal. But the two sides remain in dispute about oil-rich areas along the border. Under the deal, South Sudan enjoys considerable autonomy until a referendum is held in 2011 on whether or not the largely Christian and animist south should secede from the Muslim-dominated north.