US sends troops to South Sudan to protect embassy

An outbreak of violence in South Sudan has prompted the White House to deploy 47 troops to the African nation to protect the US embassy and citizens.

In this photo taken late Friday, July 8, 2016 women take cover from the fighting in the capital Juba, South Sudan. Source: AAP

The White House says it has deployed 47 troops to South Sudan to protect US citizens and the US embassy after an outbreak of deadly violence in the country.

"These deployed personnel will remain in South Sudan until the security situation becomes such that their presence is no longer needed," the White House said in a statement on Wednesday.

The combat-ready troops arrived in South Sudan on Tuesday.

An additional 130 military personnel currently in Djibouti are also prepared to provide support as necessary, the White House said.