Darfur rebel JEM claims control of army base

December 29, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — The rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) today said it had taken control of a Sudanese army garrison in West Darfur.

“JEM forces have taken full control of GoS Silaiaa garrison at the outskirt of el-Geneina,” the capital of West Darfur state, the rebel movement said in a military communiqué.

JEM added it would release more details on the operation “later”.

The Sudanese army was not immediately available to comment on the unconfirmed report.

The rebels said that the attack on Silaiaa, is a step towards the control of el-Geneina.

Last week JEM threatened to attack El-Geneina and told aid workers to stay in their compounds and away from government military bases.

JEM was among many groups to boycott peace talks, which convened last October in Libya before quickly ending without specifying a date for resumption.

Tow days ago, JEM also warned peacekeeping forces, humanitarian workers and commercial planes to inform them before flying as they would target all military helicopters and planes.

(ST)