Khartoum denies attacks in southern Sudan

Khartoum authorities on Wednesday denied what was announced by southern Sudanese rebels, that the government forces launched an attack in the south in which 1000 persons or more were killed just few days after concluding a historical agreement in talks to end the war which has been continuous since 19 years.

Sudan's People Liberation Army ( SPLA) has accused the government of launching a large attack in the Higher Nile province last Friday.

The Sudanese charge de affairs in Nairobi, Ahmad Dardeiri, held the responsibility of the clashes on militias that act independently from the government. He said that reports by the rebels and the number of killings are exaggerated.

Dardeiri stressed that what was stated by the "People's Army" is groundless. He said that the "number of killing" they talks about is deliberately not correct, and the ongoing friction mainly take place between tribes and warring militias in the area. "There are no instructions from our side for the allied militias with us to start an attack," he said.

He denied reports by relief agencies in the area said that "Antonov" gunboats support the militias and the government forces on the ground.