Four suspected South Sudanese poachers have been killed by joint security forces, after a heated fire exchange while in a poaching mission in the district of Karenga.

The incident occurred on the Moru-Etom hill in Kidepo valley national park, Kawalakol sub-county, following an operation conducted after intelligence reports of South Sudanese poachers entering the park through porous borders.

According to Mike Longole, the Karamoja regional police spokesperson, the suspected poachers had already killed two buffalos before they were confronted by security forces.

Longole says after a serious fire exchange, four suspects were put out of action, while four guns, five bows and ten arrows were recovered.

He adds that as security forces, they will continue monitoring the national park.