Sudan denies violating South Sudan’s airspace

November 25, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) spokesperson, Col. al-Sawarmi Khalid Sa’ad, has denied allegations that two warplanes belonging to SAF entered South Sudan’s airspace last week.

He underscored that these allegations were “unfounded”.

On Monday, South Sudan’s officials 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.

The Sudanese army carries out regular air strikes on the positions of the rebel groups in Darfur.

Different sources said the recent wave of air attacks in Western Bahr el-Ghazal state are targeting rebel fighters from the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) who prepare to enter into the neighbouring Darfur region.

Khartoum has always denied air attacks on the border area, as the boundaries are not formally traced between the two countries.

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.

(ST)