At least six people have been killed in clashes between long-standing allies South Sudan and Uganda near their shared border, where competing claims over the poorly defined boundary often flare into small-scale fighting.
Elements from the two armies exchanged fire on Monday in South Sudans Kajo Keji County, killing five South Sudanese SSPDF soldiers, South Sudanese officials say.
Ugandan Army Spokesperson Felix Kulayigye said SSPDF soldiers had strayed into Ugandas West Nile region and refused to leave, leading to the firefight, in which at least one Ugandan soldier died.
Uganda has backed forces loyal to South Sudanese President Salva Kiir for several decades, helping the country fight for independence, which was won in 2011, and during the subsequent civil war.
Kajo-Keji County said in a statement that five SSPDF soldiers had been killed in a surprise attack by Ugandan forces backed by tanks and artillery.
