Rebels to release captured SAF soldiers

Sudan’s Liberation Movement, leadership Minni Minawi (SLM-MM) announced the names of 15 officers of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) who were captured during a recent battle in Wadi Murrah, North Darfur and will be released soon, Radio Dabanga has learned on Sunday, November 18.  Adam Saleh, military spokesman of Sudan’s Liberation Movement – Minni Minnawi, told Radio Dabanga that among the prisoners are two first lieutenants of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF). The two first lieutenants are Ibrahim Hamed Hammad Abdul Hameed and Mubarak Ahmed Omer Yahya.The spokesman added that the remaining prisoners are officers of different ranks; sergeants, corporals and soldiers.’ICRC will not be involved’On the same topic, Adam Saleh disclosed to Radio Dabanga that SLM-MM decided not to release the prisoners through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) this time. He explained that this is due to the fact that the regime forces the prisoners to resume their military duties after they are handed over by the ICRC.Saleh claimed that some of the prisoners released to the ICRC, have been forced to return and fight in the same area, he added to Radio Dabanga. Also, the spokesman stated that the regime imprisons those who refuse to resume their military duties and in other cases refuses to pay them their retirement benefits. Saleh disclosed that this time, the prisoners will be released through the civil administration or directly to their families. He called on both parties to ensure the officers are not forced to return to the battlefield, he added to Radio Dabanga from the field.Related content: Fresh clashes erupt in North Darfur (10 November 2012)