Local residents at Jidaid Abu Nawara administrative unit in Abu Jabeiha Locality in Sudan’s South Kordofan state confirmed to Radio Tamazuj the arrival of newly deployed soldiers in the state, saying there was heavy military build-up.

They noted the forces comprised the organized forces, Border Protection Unit and the government-backed militia known as the Popular Defence Force.

According to the same sources, a military convoy was seen heading toward Kau Nyaro and Funger villages, which lie near the border between the eastern Nuba Mountains and Upper Nile state in South Sudan.

The Sudanese Defence Minister Abdurrahim Mohamed Hussein has announced the start of the second phase of a decisive summer operation in Darfur and Kordofan states.

He was speaking at a briefing to the members of the National Legislative Assembly on the general military situation in the country on Monday.

The minister says the security cooperation agreements signed with some neighbouring countries have largely contributed to the protection of borders and enhanced diplomatic relations.

The first phase operation has already been completed in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile where fighting is ongoing, according to the official.

File photo: SPLA-N troops in Dondor, eastern Nuba Mountains