Fierce fighting with Darfur LJM in area east of Jebel Marra

Government forces at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday launched a massive attack on the forces of the Liberation and Justice Movement, in the Keila area of East Jebel Marra. LJM Commanding General Ali Kerbino told Radio Dabanga from the field that the rebel forces repelled the attack and killed more than 20 of the government troops. Kerbino described the attack as a flagrant violation of the ceasefire with the government and a declaration of war. He said the movement’s forces will not stand by idly anymore and will respond. 

The rebel commander said Wednesday’s attack was launched by about 620 soldiers belonging to special forces, along with others whom he said were not Sudanese. He pointed out that the attackers used quality weapons. He said they captured weapons from the defeated enemy.

Kerbino claimed that this was the second attack against the movement, with the first one being on 14 October. He said the movement was silent about the first attack and did not announce to the media.