Sudan denies rebel capture of western Darfur garrison

January 1, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — Sudan has denied rebel capture of a military garrison in West Darfur saying the rebel 8 soldiers killed during the clashes

“JEM forces have taken full control of GoS Silaiaa garrison at the outskirt of el-Geneina,” the capital of West Darfur state, the rebel Justice and Equality Movement said in a military communiqué, on Saturday December 29.

Spokesperson of the Sudan Armed Forces, Osman Al-Aghbash, said regular army repelled an attack carried out by rebel JEM against Silaiaa garrison in West Darfur. He further said 8 soldiers were killed and other 19 wounded during the clashes.

The assailant forces which attacked the Sudanese army position with 65 vehicles pulled back with their dead and wounded, Osman said.

He underlined that there were 57 officers and soldiers when the attack occurred.

The rebel JEM said that the capture of Silaiaa, is a step towards the control of el-Geneina.

Last week JEM threatened to attack El-Geneina and told aid workers to stay in their compounds and away from government military bases.

(ST)