South Africa has sent soldiers into Durban after days of violence aimed at migrants.

Armed troops from the South African National Defence Force were seen patrolling the city center alongside police, The Rio Times reported, citing the Durban daily The Mercury. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli had called for the army to be deployed.

Police were battling a fresh wave of unrest on Saturday, France 24 reported. Shops were looted, homes were set on fire and foreign nationals were targeted as crowds took to the streets for a second day.

On Thursday, protests against undocumented migrants left at least 14 vehicles, a building and a warehouse burned, South Africa's Jacaranda FM reported. Many businesses stayed closed.

The unrest is tied to a court ruling. On July 7, South Africa's Constitutional Court ruled that asylum seekers have the right to have their claims heard no matter how they entered the country, Business Insider Africa reported. The Home Affairs department's rush to carry out the ruling overwhelmed refugee offices. After protests in Johannesburg and Durban turned violent, the government withdrew its asylum directive.

Durban is South Africa's third-largest city and home to one of Africa's busiest container ports.

South Africa has a long history of xenophobic violence. Deadly attacks on migrants from other African countries took place in 2008, 2015 and 2019. Many South Africans blame migrants for crime and for competition over jobs, as unemployment remains above 30%. Rights groups say migrants are being made scapegoats for the country's economic problems. Leaders have called for calm as soldiers stay on the streets.

What we know: South Africa deployed soldiers to Durban after days of anti-migrant violence, looting and arson.
What we don't: How long the troops will stay in the city.