SPLM-N fighters repulse two attacks in Blue Nile : rebel spokesperson

May 10, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement North (SPLM-N) said its fighters repelled two attacks by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) on its positions in Blue Nile state.

According to the SPLM-N spokesperson Arnu Ngutulu Lodi, the government forces carried out attack on their forces in Kulgu hills in Bot County 30 km south-west Damazin on 7 and 10 May.

He added that during the second assault which lasted from 7am to 2pm, they killed 13 soldiers and destroyed a T-55 tank and captured a truck loaded with ammunitions and 20 AKM rifles.

The rebel official said they captured a Sudanese army soldier and lost one fighter.

The Sudanese army spokesperson was not reachable for comment on the alleged attacks.

Officials in Khartoum recently pledged to intensify attacks on rebel positions in the two areas, following a successful operation in South Darfur against Justice and Equality Movement rebels.

Last December, the African Union mediation team led by the former South African president Thabo Mbeki failed to convince the two warring parties to ink a cessation of hostilities.

Since the process has been suspended indefinitely.

(ST)