CAIRO Ñ Sudanese rebels are said to have launched their first successful attack on oil installations in the south of the country.

The Sudanese People's Liberation Army said it conducted attacks on three oil installations in the Wahda province near the Blue Nile. The group said the attack resulted in casualties to Sudanese troops as well as damage to the installations.

It was the first time the SPLA claimed to have attacked the oil installations. The group has warned foreign companies to stop exploration and development of Sudan's oil reserves.

SPLA officials said the three targets were in the areas of Hajlij and Bentiou in an area about 450 kilometers southwest of Khartoum. The rebels said they destroyed an oil facility and bombed an airport used by both Sudanese warplanes and oil companies.

Industry sources said the Hajlij area marks the most productive sector of the oil region.

Earlier this week, the Sudanese military reported an SPLA attack in the oil region. But a military spokesman said the rebel force was routed.

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