JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — Rebels in South Sudan say they have seized U.N. river barges suspected of transporting weapons for government troops and are holding 16 peacekeepers.
The barges were taken along the White Nile in a disputed area.
James Gatdet Dak, a spokesman for rebel leader Riek Machar, said the barges were seized but did not specify how many.
Nyagwal Ajak Dengkak, a spokesman for a rebel commander in the area, said two government soldiers, three officers of the national security agency, and six barge technicians were also detained.
Ariane Quentier, a U.N. spokeswoman, said the mission is dealing with the situation.
The barges were seized at Kaka, a settlement on the rebel-controlled west bank of the river. The east side, where the U.N. mission has bases, is held by government troops.
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