At least 30 people have been killed and several houses destroyed as a result of a latest series of clashes in southern Sudan, according to a government official.

Paul Dhel Gum, an official with the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, also said that a number of civilians had been kidnapped in the fighting.

"There are at least 30 people killed, and there are more than 15 women and children who have been abducted," Gum said Tuesday.

The clashes in the south were between two clans of the Dinka ethnic group - the Luach and the Awan - and were reportedly started over cattle and grazing rights.

A detachment of troops from south of the country was reportedly sent to the area in an attempt to end the fighting. The clashes started on Saturday and lasted until Tuesday morning.
presstv