Darfur rebel group claim new attack on Sudan army

March 12, 2008 (LONDON) — The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) Darfur rebel group said today that it clashed with Sudanese army near the capital city of El-Geneina.

“JEM engaged and destroyed a GoS [Government of Sudan] force, today [at] 4pm local time [in] Rahad Al-Sinait, 100 kilometers north-east of El-Geneina city, between Suleia and Kulbus” a statement received by Sudan Tribune said.

There was no independent confirmation of the news and the Sudanese army did not comment on the statement.

JEM said 22 government soldiers were killed while 12 were captured.

West Darfur has been the scene of heavy fighting between JEM and the Sudanese army trying to flush out flush out the rebel presence in Silea, Sirba, Abu- Sorouj.

The UN refugee agency says 13,000 refugees fled into Chad from Darfur since the Sudanese army and its Janjaweed militia allies began heavy bombardments of rebel strongholds around the Jebel Moon area on February 8.

The recent offensive has drawn criticism by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon who urged a ceasefire in Darfur saying deteriorating security is undermining efforts to help thousands of civilians caught in an upsurge in fighting.

(ST)