Darfur JEM claims victory in fresh fighting with Sudanese army

July 13, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — The Darfur Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) announced on Tuesday that it clashed with Sudanese government troops in North Darfur.

“Early in this morning, July 13th, 60 land cruiser vehicles of Sudan’s army and militia obstructed JEM tours near Kuma, North Darfur. As expected the Genocidaire’s force lost the battle and fled into Kuma town” said a statement by JEM military spokesman Ali Alwafi.

“Our forces pursued them inside the town and destroyed their military camp and captured 34 well-equipped vehicles”.

The Joint African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) said in its daily briefing that it received unconfirmed reports of fighting between Government forces and JEM adding that verifications missions will be dispatched to confirm these reports.

On Monday, the army reported clashes involving JEM, one of the most militarized groups in Darfur, and its soldiers in the strategic Adula region between South Darfur, North Darfur and nearby North Kordofan province.

The fighting between JEM and the Sudanese army has become more frequent since the rebel group suspended its participation in the talks last May saying the government violated the framework agreement they signed together in Doha.

Fears that violence in Darfur could spiral out of control following Monday’s decision by the judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to add genocide to the charges against the Sudanese president, who is already wanted since March 2009 for war crimes and crimes against humanity over his role in Darfur’s war.

(ST)