A joint security force in the South Sudanese capital Juba said it has started to beef up security ahead of the major festive days in the country.

General Marial Chanuong, representative of the SPLA army, said in a press statement on Tuesday that the joint security force have tightened security ahead of Christmas and New Year festive seasons, warning gunmen against carrying out criminal activities in Juba.

“We had a meeting at the ministry of interior as organized forces in Juba to security the city during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The organized forces are aware that there are many criminal activities, so we are planning to crackdown on criminals,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Inspection of South Sudan Police, General Saeed Chawul Lom, said that the organized forces have started to beef up security in Juba to counter any possible crimes, while warning that criminals might utilize the Christmas and New Year celebrations to cause insecurity.