A special police team from the federal government arrived in central Sudan’s South Kordofan state to regulate the use of motorcycles, which are used by armed Arab militias, highwaymen, and smugglers to SPLA and SPLA-N areas.

The South Kordofan State Police Commissioner Major-General Habila disclosed the arrival of the police teams from the federal government within days in order to regulate and issue licenses for motorcycles which are currently threatening the security of towns and villages in the western sector of the state.

Habila stated in his statement during the state council of ministers meeting held in al-Fula yesterday that some officers had already arrived clandestinely in the town and are now performing their tasks in a highly professional manner, stressing the readiness of the police forces to prevent anyone from escaping the law. He vowed to track down all those threatening the security of the region.

However, he confirmed the stability of security situations in the all areas of the region especially the Heglig oil field. “The armed forces and security agencies are proactive for all eventualities,” Habila affirmed.

In related news, the commander of 22nd division in Babanusa town Major General Kamal Abdel-Maruf downplayed earlier reports about reinforcement of the SPLA forces in the border near to Heglig oil area, and said that these are exaggerated statements.

He added that his forces exert complete control over all Sudanese territory in the region and are ready to deal with any aggression move which aims at the oil sites. “These areas are considered as red lines,” Abdel-Maruf cautioned.

Photo: A smuggler bringing goods into rebel-held territory, South Kordofan State, October 2012 (Radio Tamazuj)