Sudanese rebels allege capturing army garrison, killing dozens
Rebel forces in Sudan say they have taken control of a military garrison in the North African country’s conflict-ridden southern state of South Kordofan, but government forces have dismissed the claim.
A spokesman for Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), Arnu Ngutulu Lodi, said in a statement that their forces have “attacked and liberated Habila town garrison,” which lies 30 kilometers (18 miles) southeast of Dilling district in the area.
Lodi added that government forces suffered heavy human and military equipment losses in the attack, alleging that 54 Sudanese soldiers were killed and five military vehicles plus a considerable amount of munitions were seized.
However, Sudanese military spokesman, Colonel al-Sawarmy Khaled Saad, brushed aside the assertion, saying the army troops had “repulsed a sabotage attempt” in Habila.
“Troops forced the rebels out and are in complete control of the site,” Saad said, adding that the attack had “targeted innocent citizens and destroyed their buildings and burned the market” in the town.
More than 20,000 people have been displaced by fighting between Sudanese troops and rebels this month in war-torn South Kordofan, according to the United Nations.
“Between March 9 and March 18, an estimated 23,600 people fled their homes,” the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced on Friday.
The OCHA further noted that the displaced sought refuge in “El Abassiya, Abu Jubaiha and Rashad towns” as well as the surrounding villages east of South Kordofan’s state capital of Kadugli.
Sudanese government forces have been engaged in battles against SPLA-N rebels in the southern Blue Nile and South Kordofan states since 2011.
MP/HJL/SS
UN warns hundreds of thousands of Sudanese under ‘immediate danger’
UN chief says attacks against civilians in Sudan could constitute ‘war crimes’
Aid groups warn of looming famine in Sudan
It could take 14 years to remove debris left by Israel war on Gaza: UN
Iran, China discuss military cooperation
Sanders to Netanyahu: 'Don’t insult American people’s intelligence'
Tehran economic conference: Raeisi hails Iran-Africa expansion of ties
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
Severe heat wave hits India as phase 2 of polling begins
What to expect after President Raeisi's visit to Pakistan
China describes Iran as ‘strategic partner' in West Asia
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
