Clashes between the SPLA and armed northern nomads killed 13 in the latest break out, escalating tensions ahead of April elections, an army spokesman said.

SPLA spokesman Gen. Kuol Deim Kuol said two soldiers were killed in action and another two wounded, Reuters reported.

He added that the Misseriya nomads were “completely defeated” and 11 were killed.

The attack happened on Wednesday close to where a south Sudan army barracks was attacked twice in the last six weeks.

The Misseriya graze their cattle to the south of the border during the dry season.

The south says the north armed some members of the tribe as a proxy militia during the war.

GoSS says the nomads are welcome but must leave weapons in the north.

Herders say this leaves them vulnerable to wild animals and cattle raiders.

An agreement signed earlier this year between the herders and southern officials says that the nomads may now bring in five small guns to accompany large herds and three guns if they are moving with smaller groups.