The Sudanese military says armed groups linked to South Sudan have attacked tribesmen in Samaha, a region claimed by both sides.

“We hear that there was some groups from South Sudan, armed groups...and they attacked the nomads there (Samaha) on December 25,” said a statement, issued by the Army spokesman, Sawarmi Khaled Saad on Thursday,

There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties, he added.

The announcement comes after Sudan expressed readiness to hold talks with South Sudan to discuss ways to resolve territorial disputes and implement the security and economic deals reached between the two sides in September.

“I am ready to meet [South Sudanese President] Salva Kiir to speed up implementing all agreements at the same time,” Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir said on Wednesday.

“I am ready to meet Kiir at any place,” Bashir added.

In September, the two sides signed an African Union-led deal in Addis Ababa to end a border conflict, but failed to implement the agreement.

Another meeting is planned for January 13.

South Sudan became independent on July 9, 2011 after decades of conflict with the north.