Soldiers among 25 killed in South Sudan cattle raid

Cattle raids are common among pastoralists in South Sudan (Image: AFP)

At least 25 people, including government soldiers, were killed during a cattle raid in volatile Warrap state in central South Sudan, officials have told the BBC.

In total, 18 soldiers and seven civilians were killed during the clash with heavily armed youth, according to Ring Deng - the Warrap state information minister.

Among them were a senior military officer and a former county commissioner, the BBC understands.

Seven soldiers and six civilians were also wounded during the incident.

There are fears the death toll could be as high as 65, local news The Sudan's Post reported, but Mr Ring has refuted the claims.

He said the incident occurred as a result of “misunderstanding” when soldiers tried to recover stolen cows from the youth.

Cattle raids and revenge attacks have killed thousands of people in South Sudan since independence in 2011.

Insecurity remains rife across the country despite the formation of a unity government in February 2020.