Darfur rebels claim rocket attack on Al-Fashir
October 28, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – The rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) claimed on Sunday they shelled the capital of North Darfur but there is no confirmation from the government or the joint peacekeeping mission (UNAMID).
The Sudanese Revolutionary Front military command believes that exporting fighting to the government held areas is the best way to keep pressures on the regime.
JEM spokesperson, Gibreel Adam Bilal told Reuters that they shelled Al-Fasher with “Katyusha rockets and other heavy weapons” on Saturday.
The rebel official said the attack targeted Al-Fasher military air base in retaliation to air raids and ground attacks by the Sudanese army and its militias.
However, Sudanese army spokesperson was not available to comment on the claims but the spokesperson of the hybrid peacekeeping mission Aicha Elbasri told Reuters that they had reports of gunfire near Al Fasher, which it said was not unusual.
She further said there was no causalities.
This month the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement carried several mortar attacks on Kadugli, capital of South Kordofan in retaliation to regular bombardment of their positions by the Sudanese air force.
Over ten people were killed in the four attacks as U.N. denounced the attack and death of civilians. Also all its staff members in Kadugli were evacuated outside the town.
Gibreel said that fighters of another rebel group , Sudan Liberation Movement of Minni Minnawi took part in Saturday’s attack.
Sudanese government and a JEM splinter faction signed last week a goodwill and a cessation of hostilities agreement following talks brokered by the acting joint chief mediator.
The parties are expected to start talks in November on the basis of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur signed in July 2011 with the Liberation and Justice Movement.
(ST)