Sudanese rebels retake Blue Nile’s area – spokesperson

August 9, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Army – North (SPLA-N) has retaken Torda area 45 km south to the Blue Nile state Ed Damazen in less than 24 hours after its capture by the Sudanese army, said the rebel group on Sunday evening.

Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) commander of the Fourth Infantry Division, said on Saturday that the government forces had recaptured the strategic town from the rebel group.

Gen Osman Sid Ahmed further said the area constitutes an important economic and intelligence centre because it is close to mining sites in Ingessana Hills.

“SPLA-N (fighters) have retaken control of the strategic area of Torda in Bau county of Blue Nile state on Sunday 9 August at 12:30pm ,” said the SPLM-A official spokesperson Arnu Ngutulu Lodi in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

Lodi further said the purpose of the Sudanese government troops was to loot the mineral resources of the area.

He pointed they killed four soldiers and lost two fighters, adding they seized four Kalashnikov AK-47.

The fighting between the Sudanese government and the SPLM-N fighters in Blue Nile started in September 2011 three months after the start of hostilities in South Kordofan state.

In December of last year, the warring parties failed to strike a cessation of hostilities deal.

(ST)