South Sudan Says Pulling Troops Out Of Sudan's Heglig Oil Field

South Sudanese forces are continuing a pullout from Sudan's main Heglig oil field after tensions over the incursion threatened to ignite war between the two countries.

South Sudan's Information Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin told reporters in Juba that "our troops are still withdrawing; it will take three days."

He said the withdrawal was in response to the request of the UN Security Council and the African Union.

Border clashes between Sudan and South Sudan escalated last week with waves of air strikes hitting the South, and Juba seizing the Heglig oil hub on April 10.

U.S. President Barack Obama on April 20 said, "the presidents of Sudan and South Sudan must have the courage to return to the table and negotiate and resolve these issues peacefully."

Based on reporting by AFP and dpa