Residence of former rebel leader attacked by government forces, spokesman says

The residence of South Sudan's vice president and former rebel leader Riek Machar was attacked on Sunday by forces loyal to President Salva Kiir.

"Dr Machar's residence was attacked twice today including using tanks and helicopter gunships. Helicopters from Kiir's side attacked the residence twice," he told Reuters, adding that he was not in South Sudan but was in contact with Machar.

He said Machar's forces, who had fought a two-year civil war against troops loyal to President Kiir, had repelled the attack. "As we speak it's a little quiet, there has not been fighting in the last moments," he said by telephone.