SPLM-N repulses second government attack in Blue Nile

March 14, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – The rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) said its fighters repulsed a second government attack within a week against the strategic area of Jebel Kolgo, 30 km. 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 the battle between the government army and the SPLM-N continued from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm (local time) on Sunday.

He pointed out that the SPLM/N forces second division in the Blue Nile under command of Maj. Gen. Ahmed Alomda Bade and direct command of lieu. Col. Farid al-Fahal Musa managed to defeat the government force for the second time in Jebel Koglo.

Lodi stressed that 40 government soldiers were killed and more than 80 others wounded, saying they seized a number of weapons in good condition including 3 PKM-mg, one RPG-7 missile launcher and 25 AKM-47 rifles.

According to Lodi, 2 fighters from the SPLM-N were killed in the battle and 3 others injured.

The Sudanese army spokesperson was not reachable for comment.

On Friday, SPLM-N said its fighters repulsed the twentieth government attack since last December against Jebel Kolgo.

Meanwhile, Lodi said a government Antinov warplane Saturday dropped 14 barrel bombs on the village of Fadam, in Kurmuk County killing a large number of cattle.

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 2015, the warring parties failed to strike a cessation of hostilities deal.

(ST)