Rebel groups shot down Sudanese unmanned plane
March 14, 2012 (JUBA/KHARTOUM) – Sudanese rebels claim that on Tuesday they shot down a Sudanese military unmanned plane in the disputed area of Jau, on the border between Sudan and South Sudan.
The rebel groups Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement North (SPLM-N) issued two separate statements announcing that a plane had been shot down on 13 March at 11:30am over Jau.
The rebels said the Sudan Revolution Front (SRF) were able to shoot down an Iranian made drone with tail number 3-1-R031 Zagil on 13 March 2012 at 11:00am in Buhirat Abyad (White Lake) area in the South Kordofan / Nuba Mountain State.
Alswarmi Khaled, SAF spokesperson said the unmanned plane took off from Kadugli, South Kordofan capital and they lost its control during a military training exercise in the war torn region.
Arnu N. Loddi, SPLM-N spokesperson, called on the international community to hold the Iranian government responsible for violating international law which he said prohibits other countries from “meddling” in the “domestic affairs” of other countries.
“It is the high time the international community rise up to hold Iranian government responsible for violating international law by constantly meddling in the domestic affairs of the Sudanese people”, Loddi told Sudan Tribune on Wednesday.
The rebel figure claimed that Iranian government has always played “a devastating role” in the Sudanese domestic affairs by standing with Sudanese government in providing all type of military support.
“The use of Iranian made Shehab rocket missiles, personnel land mines, drones and heavy military equipments prove beyond doubt that the National Congress Party’s (NCP) government plan and strategy aim to continue its policies of genocide, ethnic cleansing against the Nuba people and the State population in general and deny them humanitarian aid,” Loddi explained.
SPLA ACCUSE
In Juba, South Sudan’s army also said it shot down a military drone over the disputed area of Jau.
Philip Aguer, the spokesman of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) told journalists that the forces of Division 4 in Unity State under the command of Major General James Gatduel Gatluak has brought down unmanned military plane that was bombarding SPLA forces on Monday in Jau area.
Aguer further accused Khartoum of invading South Sudan, saying SAF’s ground forces have now crossed Kiir River and moved deep into Warrap State by 70 kilometers.
He also said SAF is also moving into South Sudan’s territory in Western Bahr el Ghazal State as well as through Maban in Upper Nile State.
Aguer said his army has intercepted the movement of the Ugandan Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) from Central Africa and DRC Congo into Western Equatoria State.
(ST)