UN imposes first sanctions on six South Sudan commanders

South Sudan President Salva Kiir (left) and rebel leader Riek Machar whose differences have led to months of conflict in the Africa's youngest nation.

The UN Security Council on Wednesday imposed sanctions on six commanders from South Sudan, the first to be blacklisted in a country where 18 months of war have brought horrific violence.

The six generals -- three from the government forces and three from the rebels -- were punished with a global travel ban and an assets freeze for their role in the worsening conflict.