72 killed in South Sudan communal attack, official says

At least 72 people were killed in inter-communal violence in South Sudan's Warrap state on Monday, a local official said.

Warrap state information minister William Wol said the clashes near the border of Warrap and Unity states involved members of the Lou Ariik community attacking the Apuk Padoch community. AFP said the toll could not be independently verified.

Residents had earlier told AFP at least 20 people were killed. Local residents said the latest violence was thought to be revenge for an attack on Friday that killed 10 people.

The area has faced years of revenge killings, cattle raids and battles over territory, worsened by the spread of firearms from decades of war. The communities were split years ago over the government renaming of a local area, which triggered violent clashes.

South Sudan gained independence in 2011 and is due to hold its first elections in December. Local communities often ally with nearby militias or rival ethnic groups in a complex pattern of violence.

The ACLED conflict monitor has recorded other major attacks in the same area of Warrap state this year, including at least 60 people killed and 50 injured in August and 58 killed in March.