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Fighting enters 5th day in South Sudan capital

In this photo dated Friday July 8 2016, South Sudan Riek Machar, left. Salva Kiir, South Sudan President, and James Wani Igga, Vice president during a press conference at Presidential palace in Juba, South Sudan, after fighting started erupted when a group of unidentified soldiers tried to enter the palace.  Heavy explosions are shaking South Sudan's capital Juba Monday July 11, 2016 as clashes between government and opposition forces entered their fifth day, witnesses say, seeming to push the country back toward civil war. (AP Photo/Samir Bo)
In this photo dated Friday July 8 2016, South Sudan Riek Machar, left. Salva Kiir, South Sudan President, and James Wani Igga, Vice president during a press conference at Presidential palace in Juba, South Sudan, after fighting started erupted when a group of unidentified soldiers tried to enter the palace. Heavy explosions are shaking South Sudan's capital Juba Monday July 11, 2016 as clashes between government and opposition forces entered their fifth day, witnesses say, seeming to push the country back toward civil war. (AP Photo/Samir Bo)

JUBA, South Sudan (AP) – Explosions and heavy weapons gunfire are shaking South Sudan’s capital Juba Monday in the fifth day of clashes between government and opposition forces, raising the specter of a return to civil war.

Widespread shooting preventing residents from moving in the city.

A “massive explosion” hit shortly after 9 a.m. followed by further blasts in the Tomping area of Juba, home to embassies, the airport and a U.N. base, said an aid worker.

“It rings through the whole city every time they fire,” said the aid worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to press. “I think one of the tanks must be near me, my ears are burning.”

Explosions and “very heavy gunfire” sounding “like popcorn,” was reported by a resident in the Gudele area, who insisted on anonymity for safety.