The Sudan People’s Liberation Army-North (SPLA-N) announced their forces on Tuesday morning captured Kahliat area about 5 kilometres west of South Kordofan capital, rebel spokesperson Arnu Nugultu Lodi said.

Lodi said in a statement that the government forces suffered heavy losses in terms of life and military equipment, prompting the government forces to withdraw from the garrison leaving ten dead soldiers.

He said that two SPLA-North soldiers were injured during clashes. Meanwhile, a source from Kadugli Hospital confirmed that wounded SAF soldiers were admitted to the facility. Security was tightened and citizens were prevented from visiting the hospital, according the same source.

The SPLM-N rebels have been battling the Khartoum government in Blue Nile and South Kordofan states since 2011.