(VOVworld) - The streets of South Sudan's capital Juba have been charged with tension after an outbreak of heavy fighting on the eve of the nation's fifth independence anniversary.

 The shooting began on Friday night between soldiers loyal to President Salva Kiir and soldiers supporting Vice President Riek Machar. According to Roman Nyarji, a spokesman for Vice President Riek Machar, the number of casualties is over 150 and the number is expected to be higher. The incident took place right before President Kiir and Vice President Machar prepared for a speech to the public at the presidential palace on the eve of the nation's independence anniversary.