SPLM-N retakes Ugab area in South Kordofan: spokesperson
March 30, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – The rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/North (SPLM-N) said it has recaptured the town of Ugab in Heiban County in South Kordofan state.
Lodi pointed that SPLM-N fighters inflicted heavy casualties on the government troops, saying 60 government soldiers have been killed in the clashes and more than ten vehicles were destroyed including one Tank.
He added the SPLM-N fighters seized one truck and one small car in a good condition.
According to Lodi, the government troops in Karkraia area are currently under complete siege and were cut off from any logistical support.
Sudanese army spokesperson was not available for comment.
SPLM-N spokesperson further denied reports that the government troops have controlled Um Serdibah area, describing claims of the Sudanese army in this regard as “absolutely false”.
Sudanese army spokesperson Ahmed Khalifa al-Shami on Tuesday issued a statement saying the government troops are now controlling Um Serdiba, “the main rebel stronghold in Kadugli sector”, and Musharaka area.
CRUSHING THE REBELLION
Meanwhile, the commander of the 14 th infantry division in South Kordofan Yasser al-Ata said the Sudanese army is determined to end rebellion throughout the state.
Al-Ata, who addressed a public rally Wednesday in South Kordofan capital, Kadougli praised efforts of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Popular Defence Forces (PDF) to defeat the insurgency.
For his part, the governor of South Kordofan state Essa Adam Abakar underscored that the army is capable of defeating the insurgency, pointing to recent victories of the SAF, RSF and the PDF against the rebels.
He pointed to the strategic importance of Um Serdibah area, saying it is an advanced command for the rebels in South Kordofan.
Abakar further vowed to continue the military operations until crushing the rebellion and bringing peace to the state.
Since a week ago, Sudanese army has engaged in simultaneous attacks on the SPLM-N positions throughout South Kordofan, aiming to overwhelm their capabilities and disrupt their defences.
The large-scale offensive comes as the international community calls on the opposition groups including SPLM-N to accept framework agreement and negotiate a cessation of hostilities with Khartoum.
South Kordofan and neighbouring Blue Nile state have been the scene of violent conflict between the SPLM-N and Sudanese army since 2011.
(ST)