The U.S. government said Sunday it "has no plan for offensive action" in South Sudan after sending troops into this conflict-torn country to protect its embassy and citizens there.

"The United States wants to reassure the people and the government of South Sudan that we are not planning, nor will plan, to target any government or military leaders; nor will we import special military equipment with the goal of destabilizing South Sudan," U.S. State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said in a statement.

Any suggestion that the U.S. has done so or will do so "is false, baseless, and not in the interest of peace in South Sudan," it said.

"We want to make clear to the people and the government of South Sudan that the United States has no plan for offensive action in their country," it added.

About 200 U.S. troops were sent on Tuesday to Juba, capital of South Sudan, only to protect the U.S. Embassy and help evacuate non-emergency personnel, the statement said.

"All of the additional troops will return home when the need for additional security no longer exists," it added.

The U.S. Embassy in Juba remains open so that it can continue to offer assistance to U.S. citizens, the statement said, adding that the U.S. urging both sides in South Sudan "to bring about a peaceful resolution to this crisis."

The fighting between the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) loyal to President Salva Kiir and the SPLA in Opposition, which backs First Vice-President Riek Machar, has reportedly killed some 272 people, including 33 civilians, and displaced at least 36,000 civilians.

The fighting has renewed concerns about the prospects for peace and stability in this African country.

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