The United Nations secured a pledge for the release of about 3,000 child soldiers in South Sudan, according to a report by Reuters released on Tuesday.

It is considered "one of the largest ever demobilizations of children."

The South Sudan Democratic Army (SSDA) Cobra Faction, led by David Yau Yau, recruited the children between the ages of 11 and 17. Some have been fighting for almost four years.

According to the U.N. children agency UNICEF, an initial release of 280 children occurred on Tuesday in a village in Jonglei State. Some as young as 11 years old surrendered weapons to the South Sudan National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission. More children will be released over the next month.

"These children have been forced to do and see things no child should ever experience," said Jonathan Veitch, UNICEF's South Sudan representative.

According to UNICEF representatives, nearly 12,000 children were recruited by South Sudanese militia groups in the past year.

The area has faced continued deadly conflict sine December 2013 after fighting began in the capital city of Juba. President Salva Kiir's government has been facing off with rebels loyal to the former deputy, Riek Machar. At least 10,000 people have died due to the fighting and over a million have been displaced.

The country was marred by a previous civil war from 1983 to 2005 with the now named Republic of Sudan.

The children released will receive health care, food, water, clothing and will be prepared to return to their families and communities.

"The release of thousands of children requires a massive response to provide the support and protection these children need to begin rebuilding their lives," Veitch said.

Yau Yau is responsible for raising rebellions against Juba, gaining support from his Murle ethnic group. He signed a peace deal with the capital city in January 2014.