Practically every country in the world are urging its citizens to flee South Sudan, as the fighting between government troops and a rebel faction worsens.  Australians are reportedly among the 3,000 foreigners still in South Sudan.

A spokeswoman for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs said, “The security situation continues to be exceptionally volatile and we continue to recommend Australians leave immediately.  If it is not safe to leave, Australians should take all precautions possible and stay indoors in a safe location.”

United Nations chief Ban Ki-Moon is asking the Security Council to add 5,500 more UN troops to the 7,000 peacekeepers already on the job.  Ban says hundreds of deaths, thousands of refugees, and clashes breaking down along ethnic lines are threatening the world’s youngest country.  Ban is warning that crimes against humanity will be answered.

About 150 US Marines are poised to answer Ban’s call.  This follows the US evacuating more than 300 Americans and 300 others from South Sudan.

President Salva Kiir is a member of the Dinka ethnic group.  Rebel leader Riek Machar is a Nuer.  The two groups have been involved in revenge killings since the South Sudan crisis began a week ago.