JUBA, South Sudan

At least 169 people, including two senior local officials, were killed and 50 were injured when dozens of armed youth from Unity State attacked Abiemnom County in the Ruweng Administrative Area, the area's Information Minister James Monyluak Mijok Thon told Anadolu on Monday.

He said that the attackers also set markets and homes on fire during the assault early Sunday.

"In this battle that lasted for 3 to 4 hours, the people of Ruweng lost Awarpiny County Commissioner Hon. Paulino Wal Monychikat and Executive Director Mawien Majith."

He said the army was able to drive the attackers out of the area and that Abiemnom County authorities are now in complete control.

"The Government of the Ruweng Administrative Area (GRAA) condemns this barbaric action and policy of extermination in the strongest terms. This human slaughter is equivalent to genocide and cannot be tolerated."

He called on the government of Unity State to bring the culprits to justice and hold the Mayom County Commissioner responsible for this coordinated attack on innocent civilians and positions of SSPDF forces.

He emphasized that the people of Ruweng and their government remain committed to justice, respect for human rights, and peace.

"As of this afternoon, the SSPDF (army) forces have managed to flush out the attackers from the area, and Abiemnom County authorities are fully in charge. In this time of grief, the Government of the Ruweng Administrative Area declares a 3-day mourning period in honor of our County Commissioner, Executive Director, innocent civilians, and comrades from the organized forces."

The UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) expressed alarm over the surging violence in Abiemnom, Ruweng Administrative Area, over the past 48 hours.

"Early this morning, unidentified armed youth attacked the Abiemnom County headquarters, wounding approximately 23 people. In response to the deteriorating security situation, peacekeepers are temporarily sheltering over 1,000 civilians within the UNMISS base in the area and providing emergency medical care to the injured," the UNMISS said in a statement late Sunday.

The mission also noted with concern reports indicating that dozens of civilians and some local officials lost their lives in today's clashes.

"Such violence places civilians at grave risk and must stop immediately," said Anita Kiki Gbeho, officer in charge of UNMISS.

"The Mission has enhanced its protective posture and is working with the Government of South Sudan to support urgent efforts to restore calm and safeguard affected communities."

She urged all involved to cease hostilities without delay and engage in constructive dialogue to address their grievances. In the meantime, our peacekeepers will continue to do everything within their capabilities to protect civilians seeking refuge at our base.