South Sudan's government said Friday it was mobilizing thousands of additional troops as it battled to recapture two rebel-held cities, although regional mediators insisted they were still hopeful for a ceasefire.

Heavy fighting continued to rage around Bentiu, where forces loyal to former vice president Riek Machar have been holding off the army of President Salva Kiir, leaving the northern oil hub ransacked and emptied of its civilian population.

Fierce battles have also continued around Bor, another rebel-held town in the centre that has already changed hands three times since the conflict began nearly a month ago.

The Security Council has approved sending an extra 5,500 troops to South Sudan who are only slowly arriving.

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