At least seven people were killed and three others injured in a fresh attack that took place in Pajut town in South Sudan’s Jonglei State on Monday, police said. 

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, Jonglei Police Commissioner Major General Joseph Mayen said the incident occurred when an armed group raided a cattle camp in Pajut.

“Seven men, including four raiders, were killed and three others were injured as the local youth fought back to recover the raided cows. All the 100 cows raided were later recovered,” he explained.

Mayen, however, said the area is calm despite the incident.

He blamed the attack on armed youth from the neighboring Greater Pibor Administrative Area.

Authorities from Pibor could not immediately be reached for comment.

The Greater Jonglei region is plagued by recurring intercommunal tensions involving the Dinka, Nuer and Murle communities. The cycle of violence is often accompanied by cattle raids, child abductions, and other revenge-inducing crimes.