The United Nations said unidentified gunmen seized eight foreign and local workers outside the UN camp in South Sudan's capital before releasing them two days later.

The UN mission in South Sudan said the employees of a private company contracted to a non-governmental organization were seized Friday in Juba while drilling for water and were released unharmed Sunday.

The UN pointed out that four of the eight employees were foreigners but did not give their nationalities. The release followed negotiations led by South Sudan's security services.

More than 200,000 people have sought shelter from the ongoing fighting in South Sudan.