SPLM-N claims repelling fresh government attack in Blue Nile

February 1, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – The rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) said its fighters repulsed the eighteenth government attack against the strategic area of Jebel Kolgo, 30 kilometres south west of the Blue Nile state capital of Ed-Damazin.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune Monday, SPLM-N official spokesperson, Arnu Ngutulu Lodi, said their forces repulsed an attack carried out by the government army against Jebel Kolgo following a three-hour battle on Saturday morning.

He stressed the government attack was the 18th of its kind since 2015, saying that 4 government soldiers were killed and 5 SPLM-N fighters were wounded in the attack.
Lodi expected the government army would renew its attack against Koglo after it reorganizes its forces in Abu Garin area.

The Sudanese army didn’t comment on the incident.

It should be recalled that Jebel Kolgo lies in a rough terrain and is considered an important location for the SPLM-N.

Lodi further said the government army buried 24 dead soldiers in Damazin while 4 others were buried in other areas making the total number of its dead 32 soldiers besides 18 injured who are receiving treatment at the military hospital.

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)