Khartoum denies its warplanes violated South Sudan’s airspace
November 25, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) spokesperson, Colonel al-Sawarmi Khalid Sa’ad, has denied allegations that its warplanes entered South Sudanee airspace last week.
He underscored that these claims are “unfounded”.
On Monday, South Sudan’s government said that two warplanes from neighbouring Sudan entered its airspace last week, calling it an act of intrusion and a “serious violation” of international law.
Raja county commissioner Hassan Jallab told Sudan Tribune that the area had witnessed two warplanes flying over Khorshamam area, which, according to him, was bombed by Sudanese jet fighters in earlier this month, resulting in the death of at least 35 people and wounding of 17 others.
Jallab further expressed fears over possible further bomb attacks by Sudanese warplanes, saying he had called on Juba to raise the issue with the Sudanese government at the highest level.
Sudan and South Sudan trade accusations of support to rebel groups from both sides.
Last April, Khartoum said Juba is using the rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) fighters in its conflict with a splinter faction of the SPLA in the Unity state.
South Sudan seceded from Sudan after a 2005 peace deal paved the way for a referendum on self-determination, ending more than two decades of brutal civil war.
Although the South officially gained its independence in 2011, a number of contentious post-secession issues remain unresolved, resulting in ongoing tensions, particularly in border areas.
(ST)