SPLM-N says still in control of strategic town in South Kordofan
January 1, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/North (SPLM-N) said its forces continue to retain control over Dalouka area, 8 kilometers south of South Kordofan state capital, Kadugli, denying reports that the Sudanese army manages to seize this strategic area.
Military operations between SPLM-N and the Sudanese army have escalated recently in South Kordofan following the African Union’s mediation’s announcement of suspension of the ninth round of talks between the Sudanese government and the SPLM-N on the Two Areas in Addis Ababa.
Last December, the Sudanese army acknowledged that SPLM-N had shelled the outskirts of Kadugli using Katyusha rockets.
The two sides also clashed in Balinga area, 10 km from Kadugli besides other clashes in Daldako, al-Atmoor and al-Ruseiris.
Brig. Gen. Koko Idriss of the SPLM-N said in a video recording broadcasted by Ayin network that their forces repelled the second phase of the Decisive Summer campaign launched by the Sudanese army, underscoring that they continue to control over Dalouka area.
He denied that government troops entered Dalouka mountain, adding the that latter seized control over Gardoud area which lies between Al-Saraf and Dalouka.
Last month, the Sudanese army stepped up its rhetoric against the SPLM-N rebels and vowed to crush them in the second phase of the military campaign known as “Decisive Summer” operations.
Idriss said the two sides fought several battles east and south of Kadugli during the last three weeks in areas including Dalouka, Balinga, al-Atmoor and al-Ruseiris.
The recording displayed what it claimed to be spoils seized by the SPLM-N from the government army including 44 Dushka cannons,13 Land Cruiser vehicles, 2 tankers, and T 55 tank.
Idriss acknowledged that 3 of their troops were killed and 15 others injured during battles which took place in December, accusing the Sudanese army of using child soldiers.
The video also presented testimonies of residents saying they have been subjected to aerial bombardment by Sudan’s air force leading to the death of two children and injury of two others.
According to Aa’in network, the Sudanese army intensified aerial bombing on several areas in the Nuba Mountains, saying it dropped nearly 468 bombs and rockets besides launching ground offensive leading to the death of 6 people and wounding of 37 others and destroying 24 houses.
South Kordofan and neighboring Blue Nile state has been the scene of violent conflict between the SPLM-N and the Sudanese army since 2011.
(ST)