Khartoum: Sudan`s Army says rival southern forces have attacked its troops as they were pulling out of the contested region of Abyei along the north-south border.
Abyei has long been a hotspot, with both the north and south staking claim to the fertile oil-producing area. Fears are rising that a new conflict could ignite there as Southern Sudan prepares to become the world`s newest country.
Earlier this month, the northern and southern governments agreed to deploy a joint north-south force in Abyei after withdrawing their separate units, which have stoked tensions in the region.
Sudan`s Army spokesman Sawarmi Khaled said on Friday that northern troops were ambushed by the southern army and suffered "huge losses”. He says his side reserves the right to retaliate.
Bureau Report
