4 killed as SPLM-N rebels resume mortar attacks on Kadugli

April 15, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) resumed mortar attacks on the capital of South Kordofan state, Kadugli, on Wednesday, while the government said four civilians were killed as a result of the shelling.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Wednesday, SPLM-N spokesperson Arnu Ngutulu Lodi confirmed that rocket fire on Kadugli began on Monday, saying it comes in retaliation for the heavy bombardment carried out by Sudanese regime against civilians in the rebel controlled areas to “impose its elections in the war areas”.

Kadugli commissioner Abu Albashar Abdel Gader told Ashorooq TV that seven rockets fell in civilian areas in the town, resulting in the death of four people, with several others, including children, also injured.

However, Lodi said their rocket attacks only target military sites and denied attacks on civilian areas describing it as “lies” fabricated by the government to cover up its own failure.

“We appeal to the civilians to move away from military targets and war zones,” said the rebel spokesperson.

He added that strict instructions have been issued by the SPLA chief of staff to only target the government forces and work to protect civilians that the regime continue to deprive them from humanitarian assistance and used it as weapon of war.

In Khartoum, interior minister Ismat Abdel Rahman said the rebels failed to hinder the elections in some areas of South Kordofan despite their “miserable” attempts.

Speaking about a military operation carried out in Blue Nile state, Lodi said the SPLM-N had killed nine government soldiers in an ambush carried out in Khor Damir near Geissan, located in the south-east of the state, although he did not provide the exact date of the attack.

(ST)