Eleven killed in south Sudan clash: military

Eleven people have been killed in fighting in south Sudan?s troubled Jonglei state, a military spokesman said on Thursday.

Gunmen from the Shilluk ethnic group attacked the rival Dinka settlement of Pige in the northern Jonglei region early on Wednesday, Major General Kuol Diem Kuol, of the southern Sudan People?s Liberation Army (SPLA), said.

"A teacher was killed and two policemen and two SPLA were wounded -- one seriously," said Kuol.

"Eight attackers were also killed, and from the tribal marks on their head they were identified as being Shilluk people."

Two more Dinka villagers were killed late on Wednesday in an ambush Kuol said, but added that the situation was now "under control."

There have been several clashes between the Dinka and Shilluk ethnic groups in recent months.

In September, at least 25 died in Upper Nile state during clashes between Shilluk and Dinka gunmen.

"This attack was a continuation of the earlier attacks," added Kuol. "We are concerned there may be further trouble and revenge attacks, and we are appealing for calm."

Clashes between rival ethnic groups in south Sudan erupt frequently -- often sparked by cattle rustling and disputes over natural resources, while others are retaliation for previous attacks.

However, a string of recent raids has shocked many, with an apparent sharp increase in attacks on women and children, as well as the targeting of homesteads.

More than 2,000 people have died and 250,000 have been displaced in inter-tribal violence across southern Sudan since January, according to the United Nations, which says the rate of violent deaths now surpasses that in the war-torn western region of Darfur.

The UN has warned that poor rains and food insecurity could spark further clashes, with tensions rising as pastoralist cattle herders move their animals into areas controlled by rival groups.