SPLM-N fighters repulse fresh government attack in Blue Nile: spokesperson

February 21, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – The rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) said its fighters repulsed the nineteenth government attack against the strategic area of Jebel Kolgo, 30km south west of the Blue Nile state capital of Ed-Damazin.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune Sunday, SPLM-N official spokesperson, Arnu Ngutulu Lodi, said their fighters in the second front in the Blue Nile Saturday repelled a major government attack against Jebel Kolgo, pointing that the battle between the two sides continued from 6:30 am to 5:00 pm.

He added that the government forces suffered huge losses in lives and military equipments, stressing the attacking forces have been dispersed.

According to Lodi, 200 government soldiers and officers were killed in the clashes including a brigadier general, a major and two second lieutenants, pointing that nine Land Cruiser vehicles and a tank have been destroyed.

He added that the SPLM-N also seized 3 RPG-7, 7 PKM and 24 Kalashnikov rifles besides a vehicle loaded with supplies and weaponry, saying one SPLM-N fighter was killed and two others injured.

The Sudanese army spokesperson was not reachable for comment.

Jebel Kolgo lies in a rough terrain and is considered an important location for the SPLM-N.

The fighting between the Sudanese government and the SPLM-N fighters in Blue Nile started in September 2011 three months after the start of hostilities in South Kordofan state.

In November of last year, the warring parties failed to strike a cessation of hostilities deal.

(ST)