Claims of fresh clashes between gov’t forces, SPLM-N rebels in Sudan’s Two Areas

April 11, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The rebel Sudan’s People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) said it clashed with Sudanese government troops along various fronts in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states over the past week.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune, the SPLM-N’s official spokesperson, Arnu Ngutulu Lodi, claimed they destroyed a military camp for the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) in Al-Dabkar adding the attack resulted in the death of four soldiers.

He added they seized a four-wheel-drive land cruiser armed with a Dshka machine-gun.

The rebel official they ambushed SAF troops in Al Abbasiya-Taqali town , South Kordofan and on the road linking the capital of the Blue Nile state Ed Damazin with Geissan where they killed nine soldiers and seized a number of weapons.

Sudanese army spokesperson could not be reached for comment on the claims.

The government troop and the rebel fighters attack and counter-attack each other’s positions since last December when they failed to strike a cessation of hostilities deal in process brokered by the African Union mediation aiming to end the over three-year conflict.

In Ed Damazin, the Sudanese army and police organised a military parade to show the readiness of the regular troops to protect the Blue Nile state and ensure security during the electoral process which will start on 13 April ).

The rebels said they would carry out attacks to disrupt the elections in support of a boycott campaign organised by the opposition groups.

(ST