South Sudan cattle raids 'kill 80' in Warrap state Published duration 10 May 2011

image caption Some 1,000 people have been killed in clashes in South Sudan this year, the UN says

At least 80 people have been killed in South Sudan after rebels attacked cattle camps, the southern army says.

The attackers killed 34 people, including women and children, when they stole animals in Warrap state, said army spokesman Philip Aguer.

But as they returned with the cattle, they were ambushed and 48 raiders were killed, he said.

South Sudan is seceding from the north in July. It accuses Khartoum of trying to destabilise the region.

Such claims are denied by President Omar al-Bashir's government.

The UN says at least seven armed groups are operating in South Sudan, which is one of the world's poorest regions after decades of conflict with the north.

It estimates that more than 1,000 people have been killed in clashes between rebels or local armed groups and the southern army this year.

Cattle play a key role in the lives of many communities in South Sudan and neighbouring countries.

Col Aguer blamed members of Philip Bepan's militia for the latest violence.

The BBC's James Copnall in Khartoum says several southern army officers have rebelled in recent months, mostly members of the Bul Nuer ethnic group.