South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has ordered a ceasefire after days of intense fighting with former rebels in the capital, BBC reported on Monday.

More than 200 people are reported to have died in the clashes, involving heavy artillery, tanks and helicopters.

The violence erupted with a shootout between forces loyal to President Kiir and first Vice-President Riek Machar.

The UN Security Council had urged both sides to stop fighting, amid fears for the safety of millions of civilians. 

In a unanimous statement, the council condemned the violence "in the strongest terms" and expressed "particular shock and outrage" at attacks on UN sites. It also called for additional peacekeepers to be sent to South Sudan.

President Kiir's ceasefire order came into effect at 1800 local time (1500 GMT) on Monday. It is not yet clear if the clashes have subsided.

Source: MENA