by Julius Gale
JUBA, June 29 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan authorities said Thursday at least 9 civilians were killed and scores injured during a road ambush on a commercial vehicle about 70 km east of the capital Juba.
Police spokesman Daniel Justine said the attack happened Wednesday evening in the remote area of Mangalla.
Justine said the bodies of the victims have been retrieved and a manhunt has been launched to track down the attackers.
Elario Paul Fataki, Commissioner of Mangalla County, said the deceased were cattle traders travelling to Juba.
He said eight people died on spot, one later succumbed to injury in hospital and four others sustained injuries.
South Sudan has witnessed increased gun violence along major routes since renewed fighting erupted in July 2016 between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and to his former deputy Riek Machar.
Between March and April, at least 50 civilians have been killed and scores injured in gun attacks on commercial vehicles along the same road which links the capital Juba to the eastern parts of the war-torn country.
Earlier this month, at least 14 people were killed by rebels linked to Machar along the country's major trade route linking South Sudan to its southern neighbor Uganda.
