Rebels claim new gains in Sudan war
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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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