JUBA: At least 30 people have been killed and more than 15 women and children abducted in the latest outbreak of ethnic clashes in south Sudan, a government official said on Tuesday.

Fighting between two clans broke out on Saturday in the Tonj north area of Warrap state, said Paul Dhel Gum, an official with the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, the government's humanitarian organisation.

"There are at least 30 people killed, and there are more than 15 women and children who have been abducted," said Gum, adding that several homes were destroyed.