UN dismisses rumours of aerial bombardment in Lakes

April 4, 2010 (JUBA) – The United Nations Mission in Sudan dismissed a rumour spread in Lakes state that there was aerial bombardment in Lakes state. An unidentified plane had supposedly dropped bombs in a forest at 11 a.m. at Agormager near Mingkaman.

“No aerial bombardment occurred in Lakes State, the explosion that was heard was caused by the controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance by de-mining personnel in the area,” said the Deputy Chief Public Information Officer of the UN Mission, Joe Contreras.

Lakes state authorities had said that the bombing occurred in Awerial County and bomb fragments were brought to Yirol West County of Lakes state last Monday by the Awerial County Commissioner. The Rumbek East County Commissioner also referred to the incident at a political rally on Monday, March 29, calling the bombing a sign that war is not over.

Sudan Tribune first reported on the alleged incident in a news item published on March 30.

(ST)