Darfur rebels say still controlling Jebel Marra area
April 13, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudan Liberation Movement – Abdel Wahid al-Nur (SLM-AW) Wednesday denied statements by Sudanese army and Central Darfur government about the seizure of Sroung, the last rebel stronghold in Jebel Marra area.
The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) spokesperson Tuesday issued a statement announcing that it managed to retake, Sroung located north-west of Jebel Marra. Several days before, the Central Darfur state issued a detailed statement mentioning the capture of Tekno and Keiwi before.
“The Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) fighters repelled with courage and determination the assailant forces and militias, and inflected upon them heavy losses in men and materiel in all the areas of fighting.
“The National Congress forces and militia failed to penetrate into any strategic area held by the Movement despite the heavy air and artillery attacks day and night,” said SLM-AW military spokesperson Shihab al-Din Ahmed Hagar.
Hagar didn’t provide details of the fighting but on Monday he told the Netherlands based Radio Dabanga that they killed 1070 government soldiers and militiamen and destroyed some 83 vehicles.
Hagar said the army statement “is just an April fool” and vowed to keep the fight until the fall of Bashir’s regime.
Sudan Tribune failed to verify the claims of the warring parties from Independent observers in the region. The government restricts their access to the battle zones.
The SLM-AW is not part of the African Union brokered process to reach a negotiated settlement of the 13 -year conflict.
(ST)