SPLM-N claims repulsing fresh government attack in Blue Nile

March 11, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – The rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) said its fighters repulsed the twentieth government attack since last December against the strategic area of Jebel Kolgo, 30 km. south-west of the Blue Nile state capital of Ed-Damazin.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune Friday, SPLM-N official spokesperson, Arnu Ngutulu Lodi, said their forces repulsed an attack carried out by the government army against Jebel Koglo, noting the fight continued from 8:30 pm. (local time) on Tuesday until the next morning.

It should be recalled that Jebel Kolgo lies in a rough terrain and is considered an important location for the SPLM-N.

Lodi pointed that the SPLM-N fighters under direct command of lieu. Col. Farid al-Fahal Musa inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, saying the 18 government soldiers were killed in the battle and several others wounded.

He added that injured government soldiers were taken to Ed-Damazin military hospital in three big trucks, saying the SPLM-N didn’t suffer any casualties.

According to Lodi, SPLM-N fighters also destroyed one mounted Land Cruiser vehicle.
The Sudanese army spokesperson was not reachable for comment.

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 December 2015, the warring parties failed to strike a cessation of hostilities deal.

(ST)