UN Says Thousands Are Fleeing South Sudan Violence

President recently claimed that his forces had stopped a coup

(CNN) -- Thousands of people have sought refuge at United Nations compounds in Juba, as gunfire rang out again Tuesday just hours after South Sudan's President said his forces had halted a coup in Africa's newest nation.

Sporadic gunshots were heard in the area of Tonping, the U.S. Embassy said on its Twitter feed, quoting U.N. radio.

It urged its citizens to stay indoors.