20100122
press tv

The ethnic clashes that broke out last week in south Sudan's troubled Jonglei state has killed at least 24 people, a military spokesman said.

Fighting erupted on Monday between rival tribes after a quarrel between two men in the Nuer settlement of Koul-Anyang in the state of Jonglei escalated, killing nine people, Major General Kuol Diem Kuol said Friday.

Kuol, a General with the southern Sudan Peoples' Liberation Army (SPLA), added that the fighting climaxed on Thursday, "and this time it was more bloody."

While the clashes were originally between people from the Nuer ethnic group, the fighting later drew in the Dinka into action. As per information received, clashes on Thursday killed 15 Nuer , wounded 16 and another five have gone missing, Kuol said.

The death toll, however, is expected to rise further, the SPLA General said.

Ethnic clashes are frequent in southern Sudan. They are often sparked by cattle rustling and disputes over natural resources.

However, a string of recent raids, especially attacks on women and children, is threatening stability in the region ahead of general elections due in April.