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Ionic Quadra Special

Rebels claim new gains in Sudan war

Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Monday, August 20, 2001

CAIRO Ñ Sudanese rebels have claimed new gains against government troops in the south.

The Sudanese People's Liberation Army said it captured three military patrol boats and destroyed an army helicopter in the oil-rich region near the White Nile. The SPLA also claimed to have captured a steamer that belongs to an oil company.

The rebel group reiterated its warning for foreign oil companies to leave Sudan. SPLA officials said they are targeting the oil region and foreign companies that are developing Sudan's energy reserves in the south.

Several government troops were captured in the SPLA operation in the Wahda province. The SPLA said the operation was led by Michael Top, a Sudanese military commander who recently defected to the rebel forces. The government has so far denied SPLA claims that its attacks have damaged oil facilities.

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