Violent protests broke out last week in South Sudan after videos on social media showed South Sudanese nationals who were killed in Sudan’s Al-Jazira state. 

Police in South Sudan said Wednesday that 600 people who had been detained for violent protests and looting of businesses have escaped from a military detention facility in the capital Juba.

Police spokesperson Col. John Kassara Koang Nhial said military police shot in the air while pursuing the escapees and managed to re-arrest 410 people, according to a report by the local Radio Tamazuj website. Police are searching for the remaining escapees.

Last week, violent protests broke out in South Sudan after gruesome videos circulated on social media showing South Sudanese nationals that were killed in Wad Madani, the capital of Al-Jazira state..

Many South Sudanese nationals are said to be stranded in war-torn neighboring Sudan, and the videos ignited their urge to retaliate by attacking Sudanese nationals residing in their country.

Police confirmed Monday that 16 Sudanese nationals were killed in the protests while several of their businesses were either vandalized or looted.

The government announced a nationwide curfew last week from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time to curb looting and violence.

Police said they have so far rescued 2,990 Sudanese nationals, who are currently seeking shelter and protection at police stations across Juba.

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has urged calm and an end to alleged atrocities against South Sudanese civilians. He called on the people to refrain from retaliation. Anadolu Agency