South Sudan rebels battled government troops Tuesday for control of the flashpoint town of Bor, the army said, dashing hopes a looming ceasefire deadline in the war-torn nation would be heeded.

"There is fighting this morning in Bor town... we are awaiting more details," army spokesman Philip Aguer told AFP. The army celebrated last week the recapture of Bor from the rebel forces, who have been fighting government troops for over two weeks.