Five Sudanese soldiers killed in “friendly fire” in S. Kordofan: SAF
November 14, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – Five soldiers from the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) were killed in a friendly fire incident that took place in the restive border state of South Kordofan, according to a statement made by the army.
Col . Sa’ad said that the deaths from both sides took place when a force protecting Debeibat mayor fired on a moving SAF patrol.
The pro-government Ashorooq TV disclosed that the mayor was accompanying a federal government delegation that was headed from Debeibat to Dilling to the South Kordofan capital city of Kadugli.
It also reported that three people were injured in the friendly fire. The identities and ranks of the slain soldiers were not disclosed.
The incident comes at a time when the government announced a major military offensive this week to put down the rebellion “once and for all” that is led by the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) in Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan.
The SRF announced on Tuesday that its joint forces managed to kill 60 SAF soldiers including a Colonel in al-delayma at the intersection of Debeibat and Dilling with al-Fershaya 15th kilo.
It also claimed that dozens of SAF soldiers were held captive and asserted control over the area while seizing eight military vehicles loaded with weapons and ammunition as well as anti-aircraft gun.
Furthermore, the rebel coalition said that it destroyed an SAF camp in Kertala area which lies east of Dilling.
There was no independent confirmation of these claims and SAF did not comment on them.
(ST)