SPLM-N forces defeat government troops in fresh clashes: spokesperson

March 31, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – North (SPLM-N) Thursday said its fighters repulsed an attack on their position in eastern Kadugli area of Um Dorain and inflected heavy losses on the troops of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF). Also, he reported that warplanes killed two civilians.

Fierce fighting is taking place in the Nuba Mountains area of South Kordofan since as the Sudanese government army launched a large-scale campaign on the rebel positions. The two sides issued daily statements on the development on military fronts indicating the intensification of the clashes.

“SPLM-N forces in south Kordofan/Nuba mountains, East Kadugli sector under command of Brg.Gen. Aboud Andraus, heavily defeated (SAF) troops which tried desperately to advance from Atmur-Nugra into Um Serdiba in Um Dorain County today 31/3/016 at 3;00 pm (local time),” said Arnu Ngutulu Lodi in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Thursday evening

Lodi further said that the government forces were ‘badly defeated and fled randomly leaving behind many losses in both men and equipment”.

The Sudanese army spokesperson was not reachable to comment on these claims.

Earlier this week, SAF said its troops recaptured five rebel positions in the Nuba Mountains including Um Serdibah, “the main rebel stronghold in Kadugli sector”, Ugba, and Musharaka area.

However Lodi on Wednesday said they retook the control of Ugba and described the victories of the government forces as “false propaganda”.

In a separate statement on Thursday, the rebel official said two civilians were killed and seven injured in Um Dorain area when a Sudanese army Antonov bombed dropped barrel bombs on several villages on Thursday morning.

Furthermore, he said they clashed on Thursday with besieged SAF soldiers in Karkraia area as they attempted to break the siege and move towards Um Dolo area. He added they destroyed two military vehicles.

(ST)