SPLM-N rebels say unmanned drone shot down in S. Kordofan

May 2, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) said on Friday they had shot down an unmanned spy aircraft in South Kordofan state.

SPLM-N spokesperson Arnu Lodi said in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune that the drone crashed near Abri, Dalami town in the far east of Dilling district, but did not indicate from where it had flown in.

“The aircraft tried to take off again but our forces managed to capture it,” he said, accusing the Sudanese army (SAF) of using the aircraft to map “civilian positions” and markets before carrying out aerial attacks.

The Sudanese army spokesperson could not be reached for comment.

Sudanese rebels in South Kordofan previously downed an unmanned aircraft in Jau, on 13 March 2012.

The Sudanese army has launched a military campaign against SPLM-N rebels, with the warring parties failing to agree on a framework agreement for negotiations aimed at ending conflict in the region.

(ST)