Dhaka, May 1 -- The United Nations Security Council has reduced the size of its peacekeeping force in South Sudan while extending its mandate, according to The Hindu.

The Indian daily said the council voted on Thursday to cut troop levels from 17,000 to 12,000, with the US-drafted resolution passing 13-0 while Russia and China abstained.

The mandate of the mission has been extended until Apr 30, 2027, with a focus on preventing a return to civil war in the conflict-affected country.

US Ambassador Mike Waltz told the council the resolution aims to bring the mission "back to basics" by focusing on peacekeeping, civilian protection and humanitarian access.

The security situation in the oil-rich nation has remained fragile since it gained...