At least 13 people have been killed during clashes among federal troops in a border town between North and South Sudan.
The BBC reports fighting broke out in Malakal on the River Nile on Thursday between rival northern troops, some of whom want to stay in the south.
The majority of casualties in the hospital are reported to be civilians.
The southern army was not involved in the fighting. The SPLA previously clashed with northern militia in the town, leaving hundreds dead in 2006 and 2009.
Southern Sudan is waiting for confirmation of the result of a referendum on independence.
Provisional results say 99% of voters opted to secede from the north. Independence day is set for 9 July, 2011.
