Authorities in Warrap State reported Sunday that inter-communal violence between the Nyarmuong and Jur-Man-Anger communities has claimed 14 lives and injured 15 others over several days, with officials warning of potential further retaliation.

The conflict erupted on Monday in Awutwuot village, Gogrial East County, and intensified over the weekend through revenge killings and armed confrontations among youths.

State Minister of Information Mamer Bath said that the violence persisted despite government efforts to calm the situation.

“The incident happened in Gogrial East county of Warrap state,” Bath said.

“It is confirmed that 14 people were killed and 15 others were wounded, some with serious wounds, and were taken to Kuajok and Wau hospitals.”

He stressed that these casualty numbers remain provisional, as fighting continues and armed youths regroup in bush areas.

Bath noted that the original spark remains unclear but seems linked to actions by armed criminals, triggering an ongoing cycle of retaliatory attacks.

Gogrial East County Commissioner Duchak Bol explained that the violence started when gunmen killed a person from Nyarmuong payam.

He named Akol Mariak as one alleged attacker, who reportedly seized a gun in Ameth-Aker village and joined an armed group comprising members from multiple counties in Warrap and Unity states.

In response, Nyarmuong youths killed the brother of a local chief and two children in Maker village, Bol said.

Subsequent attacks included the killing of a person while burying a relative.

Bol stated that he has requested intervention from Division 11 infantry forces to secure hotspot areas and protect civilians.

Brig. Gen. Mabek Monytoc, the Gogrial East police director, highlighted operational challenges posed by dense bushes, tall grasses, and seasonal flooding.

“It is hard now to intervene since the places are covered with water and bushes,” Monytoc said. \

He confirmed at least 14 deaths but warned the toll could rise, as some wounded may be stranded in inaccessible locations.

South Sudan continues to grapple with frequent communal violence, typically fueled by cattle raiding, revenge killings, and local power disputes, often involving armed youth groups.