Sudanese military claims control of Sali

SPLA says the city in Blue Nile is still under its controlSudanese armed forces gained control of the city of Sali in Blue Nile state on Friday, sources in the military said.Sali, nine kilometers north of Kurmuk, is a stronghold of the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). Colonel Al Soarma Khaled Saad, spokesperson of the Sudanese armed forces said that the battle between the SPLA and the Sudanese forces lasted 12 hours.“The rebel forces fled in all directions, leaving behind their weapons and dead fighters,” Saad said.SPLA denies claimsHowever, Ali Bandar, leader of the Sudan People Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) in Blue Nile, the political wing of the SPLA, denied the Sudanese army’s claims.In an interview with Radio Dabanga, Bandar said that the SPLA had shot down three Sudanese helicopters, while the fourth left the scene after an attack that burned parts of the aircraft.“I strongly deny the defeat of SPLA forces. The government troops haven’t entered Sali. Fighting continues in the region and it hasn’t resolved in favor of any party,” Bandar told Radio Dabanga.The fighting between the SPLA and Sudanese army in Blue Nile broke out on September 1, 2011. Though latest numbers are unavailable, the clashes are said to have displaced at least 35,000, according to the Sudanese Red Crescent Society.“The fighting was started by the Sudanese army. We are merely fighting back in self-defense,” Bandar said.