President Barack Obama is sending five American military officers to support the United Nations mission in South Sudan.

The move comes amid recent outbreaks of deadly ethnic violence in South Sudan, which gained independence last year.

Obama issued a memorandum Tuesday stating US personnel operating in South Sudan would not be at risk of prosecution by the International Criminal Court because South Sudan is not a party to the ICC.

The White House says the officers will be based in the capital of Juba and will focus on strategic planning and operations. They are not expected to engage in combat operations, but will be armed for personal protection. — Sapa-AP