Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — South Sudan has reported progress in its campaign to quell a revolt within the military.

Officials said the Juba regime, aided by such allies as Egypt and Uganda, were pressing ahead to capture rebel-held towns.

The officials said the Army was driving the rebels out of the oil-rich sector in Bentiu, the stronghold of former Vice President Riek Machar.

The South Sudanese military has reported the capture of the rebel base of Nasir in the Upper Nile. The military said rebel troops, including Machar, have fled toward Ethiopia.

“We are still advancing,” Army spokesman Col. Philip Aguer said.

In a briefing on May 5, Aguer also reported the capture of Bentiu, the capital of Unity State and hub of South Sudan’s energy sector. He said the entire town was under government control despite a rebel counter-offensive on May 5.

Ethiopia was said to have been helping Machar. At one point, about a third of the military was said to have revolted against President Salva Kiir.

Officials said the military has regained control over all of the major
towns in South Sudan. They said the revolt was losing steam amid poor morale
as well as increasing opposition from civilians.

  Bentiu, Col. Philip Aguer, Juba, Riek Machar, S. Sudan forces advance to oil hub as rebels retreat toward Ethiopia, Salva Kiir