South Sudan's information minister says at least 500 people, most of them soldiers, have been killed in violence following what the government said was an alleged coup attempt Sunday.

Micheal Makuei Lueth told The Associated Press on Wednesday that some of the victims "were shot in the bushes" around Juba. He cited a report compiled by the minister of defense.

He said up to 700 others had been wounded. He offered no other details, saying he was awaiting more information from the Ministry of Health.

The violence appears to pit soldiers loyal to President Salva Kiir against those who are loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar.