Sudanese army claim recapture of new areas in S. Kordofan as rebels deny
January 5, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese troops have seized back control of three new position in the western part of the Nuba Mountains in South Kordofan, stated the military spokesperson. But the rebels said they repulsed the attack.
He further said with this operation, SAF completed the first phase of its operations in the western part of the Nuba Mountains, adding that “the enemy continues to flee”.
Arnu Lodi, SPLM-N spokesperson confirmed the attacks carried by the Sudanese army in these rebel areas. However, he stressed that SRF fighters managed to repulse the assailant troops.
“These are unfounded statements”, Lodi said, adding that “since Saturday at 04:00 o’clock local time our forces repulsed them into the forest”.
“The fighting is still going on” , he emphasised.
The attacked areas are harbouring the bases of the SPLM-N and other groups of the rebel alliance including Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and two factions of Sudan Liberation Movement led by Abdel Wahid Al-Nur (SPLM-AW) and Minni Minnawi (SLM-MM).
On 31 December the Sudanese army recaptured Al-Ardiba area in the eastern part of the Nuba Mountains but the rebel said they had no presence there.
Lodi, last Wednesday, accused the army of targeting civilians in that part of South Kordofan state.
The Sudanese government vowed to carry out comprehensive military campaign to clear South Kordofan from the rebel groups.
Observers say the purpose of this “Decisive Summer” campaign is to weaken the SPLM-N before a new round of takes the mediation is preparing to organise soon after its postponement last December following the death of Nelson Mandela.
(ST)