Rebel JEM claims progress towards West Darfur capital

January 3, 2007 (LONDON) — Darfur rebel Justice and Equality Movement has claimed today capturing an advanced government military position in its route towards el-Geneina, the capital of West Darfur State.

“The town of Beer Dageeg, 17 Km north of el-Geneina city has been captured by JEM today, January 3rd. On their way from Sirbaa, that was occupied yesterday, JEM forces took control over government posts of Goz Kongu and Khamsa Khatwat Camp.” JEM said today in a military communiqué.

The rebel group further indicated that “These two posts are on the road connecting Sirbaa with Beer Dageeg, 30km and 17km north of Geneina, respectively.”

The Sudanese army spokesperson wasn’t available to comment the rebel statement.

JEM explained this quick progress of its troops by the defection of Arab militia which refuse to fight besides Khartoum army.

“Since the battle of Gulul two weeks ago, Khartoum has been fighting without their previous Arab allies. In Gugul, Arab forces refused to fight and drove away in 13 military vehicles.”

Since then, Darfur Arabs in south Darfur and JEM have agreed to suspend hostility and unite for peaceful co-existence in Darfur, JEM said.

JEM says since last month that its troops surronding el-Geneina.

The rebel group also has claimed several attacks in recent months, notably two on foreign-operated oil fields in the neighbouring region of Kordufan.

JEM has refused to take part in UN-AU sponsored peace talks aimed at ending the violence in Darfur where 200,000 people have died and more than two million been displaced, according to international organisations.

(ST)