Explosions and machine gun fire reportedly have been heard in Blue Nile state’s capital Damazin throughout Thursday. Military planes and high military presence were also seen in the city.

Sources said clashes took place between government forces and SPLA-North rebels in Kalgi 35 kilometers southwest of Damazin.

Radio Tamazuj was not able to contact any of the field commands for comment on details of these clashes.

Separately, rebel spokesperson Arno Nagatlo Lodi announced that their forces captured Maflo area north of Talodi, South Kordofan.

He said in a Friday press statement that SPLA-N fighters forced government troops to withdraw from the area. He said two government soldiers were killed. A submachine gun and an RPG were recovered.