The Sudanese army announced killing 17 rebel soldiers in fighting in Al Moreib area about 29 kilometers west of Abbasiya in South Kordofan. Their enemy claims to have killed more than three times that number of government forces.

Colonel Al Sawarmi Khaled Saad, official spokesperson of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), acknowledges only one SAF soldier was killed and another nine were injured.

Fighting betwen the Sudanese army and the Sudan People's Liberation Army broke out last week in eastern Nuba Mountains displacing thousands from Al Moreib. The population of the town fled to Mabsoot, Habail and Hajeir areas, Radio Tamazuj learnt from one of the townsmen displaced by the fighting.

The army spokesman explained that SPLA rebels had blocked the road between Abbasiya and Abu Jabeha and occupied the village of Al Moreib, raising their flag. In addition, they occupied the police station and moved all the equipment to their station in Abu Hassan area. Al Sawarmi said the government troops moved toward Al Moreib area after the rebels looted the market. The troops fought the rebels and managed to drive them out of the area.

On the other hand, the SPLA announced killing 61 soldiers from the army and pro-government militias, and injuring dozens. Arno Ngutolo Lodi, SPLA-N spokesperson, claimed that their troops defeated the army and pro-government militias on Friday seizing large quantities of weapons and ammunition.

Ngutolo confirmed the loss of five SPLA-N soldiers and injuries to seven other soldiers. The battle caused the exodus of more than 5000 citizens.