Kathmandu— At least 49 people were killed and 33 wounded when armed gunmen raided a seasonal cattle camp and nearby village in northwest South Sudan early Thursday morning, local officials reported. The attack targeted the Machar-Pakuek cattle camp and Mading Juer Boma in Majak Payam, Tonj North County, Warrap State, highlighting the persistent issue of violent cattle raids plaguing the young nation. These raids are often fueled by competition for dwindling grazing lands and water resources among herders.

Details of the Attack

The raid occurred on Thursday in Warrap State, with gunmen targeting both a seasonal cattle camp and the village of Mading Juer Boma. Local officials confirmed that at least 49 people were killed and an additional 33 sustained injuries during the attack. William Wol Mayom Bol, spokesperson for Warrap State, described the perpetrators as an armed cross-border criminal network.

Recurring Violence

This latest incident follows a similar raid just three weeks prior in the same area, which resulted in 60 deaths and 50 injuries. The frequency of these attacks underscores a continuing cycle of violence linked to competition over resources. Last year, President Salva Kiir responded to a surge in inter-communal cattle raids by declaring a six-month state of emergency across South Sudan.

Humanitarian Concerns

The local government has condemned the attack and issued an appeal for assistance from humanitarian organizations to address what they describe as a “humanitarian catastrophe resulting from conflict-induced displacement.” The scale of the violence is expected to create significant needs among those affected, requiring urgent support.

Authorities have not announced any arrests or further plans to address the ongoing insecurity in the region. The UN Mission in South Sudan recently expressed concerns over the continued cycle of communal violence in areas like Warrap State.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.