Fresh fighting between JEM rebels and Sudanese army in Darfur

June 22, 2011 (KHARTOUM) – Rebels of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) clashed with the Sudanese army yesterday and today in the restive region of Darfur, army and rebels said.

The rebel JEM and Sudanese army said clashed in Uzban Dooma, 120 km southeast of El Fasher the capital of North Darfur state on Monday. However the two parties alleged they inflicted heavy damage on the other side.

We destroyed 35 vehicles and one tank, said JEM military spokesperson Ali Wafi. He also stressed that the government soldiers fled the battle in disarray. “The Army collapsed and it does not desire to fight,” he said.

The Sudanese army said it had attacked JEM rebels accusing them of entering Uzban and causing a lot of chaos and instability in the area.

Wafi pledged to publish very soon the list of Sudanese soldiers killed during the fight.

On the other hand the army spokesperson; Alsoarmi Khaled claimed they killed 43 rebels and lost seven soldiers. He also said they destroyed 28 vehicle and seized five vehicle in good condition.

JEM suspended its participation of the peace talks last May accusing the army of breaching a truce they had concluded in Doha last February.

JEM leader who is currently residing in the Libyan capital Tripoli also says he would not go to peace talks before his return to Darfur.

JEM military spokesperson said they also clashed at 04:00pm (local time) with the Sudanese army today near Um Katkout, in South Darfur. He said they seized weapons and ammunition from the army.

“We will publish the details very soon, he said.

(ST)