S. Africa troops help quell anti-foreigner violence

South Africa's troops have been deployed to help curb violence in anti-foreigner hotspots, authorities said on Wednesday.

The army is assisting police in areas like Durban and Johannesburg, two hardst-hit cities in recent attacks, but the number of deployed troops is not disclosed.

The move began on Tuesday night in Johannesburg. Troops and police tackled riots in its suburb Jeppestown where migrants were under attack by locals. Four men were arrested on suspicion of acts of violence.

The army is awaiting assessment from police to decide whether to send more troops, Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has said.

Meanwhile, police say many of the violence-ravaged areas appeared to be calm on Wednesday morning.

"But we are fully prepared for any possible attack that may re- flare up," said a police source that refused to be named.

Seven people have been killed in the current wave of xenophobic violence and thousands displaced, with immigrants from other African countries being the most affected. Endi