Claims SPLM-N rebels overran SAF garrison near S. Kordofan capital

February 24, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The rebel group of Sudan People Liberation Movement North (SPLM-N) announced that their forces were able to seize the Kahliat garrison which lies 5 kilometers west of South Kordofan capital town of Kadugli on Tuesday morning.

Areas in the proximity of Kadugli have witnessed an uptick in military operations between Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and SPLM-N rebels since last December which saw some rockets landing inside the city center.

SPLM-N spokesperson Arnu Ngutulu Lodi said government forces suffered huge losses of life and gear, prompting SAF unit to withdraw from the garrison leaving ten dead soldiers. He added that two from their own ranks were injured.

SAF did not confirm or deny SPLM-N claims on this military offensive.

The government has been battling SPLM-N in Blue Nile and South Kordofan states since 2011 and several rounds of talks brokered by the African Union (AU) have failed to achieve a ceasefire between the two warring parties.

(ST)