3 May 2013 - Hundreds of residents who took refuge earlier this week at the UNMISS base in Pibor, Jonglei State, have returned to their homes, mission officials said today.

Following an exchange of gunfire between the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and unidentified armed forces near the town on 29 April, over 400 civilians sought protection at the UNMISS compound.

According to Brigadier General James Kuer, area SPLA commander, armed forces believed to be part of the David Yau Yau armed group fired at his camp and troops returned fire. The exchange resulted in the death of one SPLA soldier, two wildlife police unit officers and one civilian.

UNMISS officials said a Quick Response Team from the mission had observed some tukuls (grass-thatched houses) on fire.

Residents of Jonglei state face frequent security threats due to inter-ethnic conflict as well as fighting between the SPLA and other armed groups. Since 2012, about 6,400 civilians have fled to UNMISS bases in different areas to seek refuge.