Intercommunal violence has left at least 71 people dead, including four soldiers, in Rumbek, the capital of South Sudan's Lakes State, according to the caretaker government.

The interim Ministry of Information said Friday that armed civilians clashed in the town at around 4:00 a.m. on October 9. 

The reported death toll is based on preliminary security information and has yet to be independently verified.

Witnesses told AFP that a group of young people from outside Rumbek attempted to take over the town, briefly gaining control before police and military reinforcements arrived. The group then withdrew, with fighting reportedly moving beyond the town's limits.

Authorities said additional security forces had been deployed to contain the violence. Four armed civilians were arrested, while the government called on communities to remain calm and avoid retaliatory attacks.

The clashes come as South Sudan prepares for its first national elections, scheduled for December.