19 killed in South Sudan's communal clashes

People displaced by conflict in Sudan are seen at the reception center in Renk County, Upper Nile State, South Sudan. [Xinhua]

At least 19 people were killed and 17 others injured in communal clashes between armed youth from the Warrap State and the neighboring Lakes State and Unity State on Wednesday.

"We have received comprehensive information on Thursday that the clashes involved an attack emanating from Pakam of Rumbek North County, Gok-Tooch of Cueibet County of Lakes State and Nuer Adoi of Panyi-Jaar County of Unity State," William Wol Mayom, minister of information and communication of the Warrap State, said in a statement.

The South Sudan People's Defense Force was dispatched and managed to quell the violence, he added.

Mayom urged the two neighboring states to collaborate with his state to bring the perpetrators to justice as soon as possible.

The violence came in the aftermath of the deadly clashes on Jan. 27-28 in the Abyei region which left 54 people killed, including two United Nations (UN) peacekeepers.

Experts have warned that a rise in communal violence could disrupt ongoing preparations for the general election scheduled in December.