SPLM-N says it repulsed SAF attacks in S. Kordofan, Blue Nile

January 11, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – Rebels from the Sudan People Liberation Movement North (SPLM-N) announced on Sunday that its forces were able to repel attacks by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on several fronts in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states over the past 72 hours.

SPLM-N spokesperson Arnu Ngutulu Lodi in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune said that SPLA forces were able to repel a large SAF column in the Nuba Mountains in Dalouka 8 kilometers south of South Kordofan capital of Kadugli on Friday and 18 kilometers northeast of Teludi on Saturday and al-Qnezih 15 kilometers north of Um-Sirdiba on Sunday.

The rebel movement said it also repulsed on Saturday another attack In the Blue Nile state in the town of Medem Khor Damar in Bao district which lies 30 kilometers south of Damazin province.

The spokesperson stressed that they achieved victory in all these battles and managed to repel government troops.

In the battle of Dalouka the statement said they killed 13 government soldiers including an officer by the name Major Jamal Hamid while the SPLM-N lost two dead and two injured.

The escalation of military operations between the two sides comes in conjunction with the African Union’s mediation’s announcement of suspension of the ninth round of talks between the Sudanese government and the SPLM-N on the Two Areas in Addis Ababa last month.

South Kordofan and neighbouring Blue Nile state have been the scene of violent conflict between the SPLM-N and SAF since 2011.

(ST)