SPLM-N rebels say South Sudanese militiamen are fighting beside Sudanese troops
March 27, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudan people’s Liberation Movement – North (SPLM-N) said it forces have repelled a series of attacks carried out by the Sudanese troops on its position in South Kordofan, and claimed that South Sudanese militiamen participated in the fighting along the Sudanese government forces.
In statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Sunday, SPLM-N spokesperson Arnu Ngutulu Lodi said they repulsed simultaneous attacks in six different areas in South Kordofan state mainly in Buram, Um Dorain, Heiban and Dalami counties.
Lodi went further to say that militias opposed to the South Sudanese government have participated in Sunday’s battles “confirming the relationship between the (Sudanese government) and the South Sudanese militias which have established training camps in Abu Jubaiha and El-Leri and other areas in Sudan”.
He they defeated the assailants in Shatt El Sufaya area west of Buram town where they killed 17 soldiers and captured some others.
“In El Taice area,(near Buram) eight elements were killed including some South Sudanese members of opposing militias that we photographed and their pictures will be released soon”, he said.
The rebel spokesperson further claimed they have reliable information that the commander of force that attacked El Ehemer (north to Buram) was a Shilluk from South Sudan.
Since early 2013 there were reports saying that a group of South Sudanese insurgents from the Shilluk tribe of Upper Nile region led by Johnson Olony are used by Sudan to fight SPLM-N rebels in South Kordofan.
Lodi said the clashes were still continuing when issued the statement on Sunday evening.
Khartoum and Juba recently resumed accusations of support to rebel groups from both sides.
The South Sudanese rebels in the past accused Sudanese rebel of fighting along the South Sudanese government army.
(ST)