Updated

Dozens of dead, mangled and bloated bodies line the roadside from the airport into this state capital of one of South Sudan's oil-producing regions. Houses, buildings and shops have been looted, burned or destroyed.

The remnants of war in Bentiu show the damage being done across the world's newest country. Government troops are now in full control there.

Negotiators for the two sides in South Sudan's nearly month-old conflict met face-to-face in Addis Abba, Ethiopia on Monday. A Kenyan mediator said the agenda will include talks on a cessation of hostilities.

Despite the appearance of diplomatic progress, more violence also looks possible. By boat and truck, South Sudan troops are moving in on the rebel-held town of Bor, the capital of Jonglei state, just north of country capital Juba.