JUBA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has expressed concern over escalating violence in Abiemnom, Ruweng Administrative Area, calling for urgent restoration of calm.

Anita Kiki Gbeho, officer in charge of UNMISS, said in a statement on Sunday that unidentified armed youth launched a pre-dawn attack on the Abiemnom county headquarters, wounding some 23 people.

In response to the deteriorating security situation, peacekeepers are temporarily sheltering over 1,000 civilians within the UNMISS base in the area and providing emergency medical care to the injured, she added.

Reports indicated that dozens of civilians and some local officials have lost their lives in the clashes.

"Such violence places civilians at grave risk and must stop immediately," Gbeho said, adding that the UN mission has enhanced its protective posture and is working with the government to support urgent efforts to restore calm and safeguard affected communities.

She urged all involved to cease hostilities without delay and engage in constructive dialogue to address their grievances.

"Our peacekeepers will continue to do everything within their capabilities to protect civilians seeking refuge at our base," Gbeho added.

Ruweng, an oil-rich area, has long been a flashpoint for intercommunal violence and political tensions between rival armed groups.

Tensions in Abiemnom have been high since Feb. 27, and some 1,000 civilians later sought protection at the UNMISS base. Since then, peacekeepers have maintained an enhanced protective presence to reinforce community security around the base. ■