South Sudan militia as army clashes kill six ahead of vote

Rebel militias clashed with south Sudan's army Friday and Saturday, leaving at least six dead days ahead a referendum that is expected to see the region start the process of becoming an independent country, the military said.

The attacks were a reminder of the deep rifts that remain in Sudan's undeveloped south that has also been plagued by ethnic killings and violent cattle rustling raids.

SPLA (southern army) spokesman Philip Aguer said his forces ambushed fighters loyal to militia leader Galwak Gai in the south's Unity state Friday and Gai's men launched a counter- attack Saturday morning. "They were coming from the north to disrupt the referendum. It is a known game," he said.

Source - Yahoo.