The Sudanese Armed Forces have announced that they repelled a fresh attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North (SPLM-N) on the eastern axis of Blue Nile State, inflicting what the army described as heavy losses on the attackers.

In a statement issued by the armed forces and made available to their media yesterday by the Embassy of Sudan in Nigeria, the command of the 4th Infantry Division said its troops, together with allied forces, foiled a new attempt to breach its positions in the Sally area.

The division described the attackers as a “terrorist militia” and said they included rebel forces under Joseph Tuka. The attacking coalition is reported to be led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu.

According to the army, its forces seized 15 fully equipped combat vehicles and destroyed five others belonging to the attacking force, in addition to inflicting losses in personnel and equipment.

The division added that it will continue to discharge its national duty and confront every attempt at infiltration.

The army also informed that operations would go on to improve security in the area and establish full control, and that it will keep fighting the rebellion “from every inch of the country.”

Fighting in Blue Nile has continued since January, and the army is reinforcing its positions on several fronts with a view to restoring areas along the Ethiopian border where the RSF and its allies have taken ground.