A militia in South Sudan has abducted at least 89 schoolboys amid preparations for fresh clashes. The recruitment drive comes after the army admitted to heavy losses in recent fighting just north of where the boys were abducted in Upper Nile State.

According to the UN Children's Agency, the 89 boys were in the process of taking school exams at the time of their abduction. Citing witnesses interviewed by a UNICEF education team, the UN agency said "armed soldiers surrounded the community and searched house by house."

"Boys older than 12 years of age were taken away by force."

Although the UN did not identify by name the armed group responsible for the abductions, it said that the recruitment took place in Wau Shilluk in Upper Nile State. This area is claimed by the government as one of its areas of control and is defended by government-allied Shilluk militia commanded by Gen. Johnson Olony.

Defense Minister Kuol Manyang told Radio Tamazuj that army forces lost 6 soldiers killed and 80 wounded in fighting near Kaka, north of Wau Shilluk, on Wednesday. Casualty figures for fighting in the preceding days were not available.

UNICEF has condemned the abduction of the boys, saying children should not be exposed to violence but instead should go to school. The organization also noted that the actual number of abducted boys "could be much higher."

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