SPLM-N rebels launch fresh attack on army-held town
June 28, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) said they had carried out an attack against government forces in Alatmor, in its second bid to retake the strategic area following its capture by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) last June.
The SPLM-N fighters are “launching [a] heavy counter-attack offensive against NCP forces inside Alatmor area, east Kadugli city,” said SPLM-N spokesperson Arnu Ngutulu Loddi on Saturday.
Loddi said they had inflicted heavy casualties on government troops, killing 15 soldiers and destroying a tank T-55 and six vehicles.
Alatmor is located between Um Sirdiba and Dalko, to the east of South Kordofan state capital, Kadugli. The army already retook control of Dalko on 18 May.
He further said they shelled military position inside Kadugli and two positions recently captured by the army, Alhamra and Daldoko; both also are located east of the state capital.
SAF spokesperson Alswarmi Khaled was not available for comment.
SAF soldiers and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured Alatmor on 6 June. At thwe time, the SAF spokesperson said they intended to secure areas east of Kadugli to prevent shelling by rebels.
He further described it as advanced position towards Kauda, a rebel stronghold in the Nuba Mountains.
On 9 June, the military spokesperson said they managed to repulse a “suicide attack” on Alatmor and inflicted heavy losses on the assailants
(ST)