South Sudan says at least 3,000 troops from neighboring Sudan have entered its territory, as tensions rise between the countries.
Southern army spokesman Philip Aguer says the troops entered the town of Kuake in Upper Nile state on Saturday. He says the alleged incursion violates a 2012 cooperation agreement that led to both countries pulling their forces from disputed border areas.
On Saturday, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir ordered a shutdown of a pipeline that carries South Sudanese oil through the country for export. Bashir said the move is in response to South Sudan’s funding of rebels fighting his government.
A South Sudanese government spokesman, Barnaba Marial Benjamin, said on Monday the accusation is not true.