SLA/NRF Statement on Hamra al-Sheikh Attack

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 001574 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV MOPS SOCI AU UN SU SUBJECT: SLA/NRF Statement on Hamra al-Sheikh Attack Ref: Khartoum ¶1. Reftel detailed the July 3 rebel attack on the North Kordofan town of Hamra al-Sheikh and the subsequent interest by the GNU to gain support in condemning the incident. On July 5, two Sudanese Liberation Army (SLA) field commanders associated with Abdel Wahid but claiming to speak for the National Redemption Front (NRF) posted the following notice on its website in Arabic: (Begin text - unofficial Embassy translation) The National Redemption Front Military Announcement # 1 The forces of the National Redemption Front have captured the strategic town of Hamrat Al-Shiekh in North Kordofan on Monday, July 3, 2006. Hamrat Al-Shiekh is situated 200 km northwest of Khartoum. Our forces were able to destroy two brigades of the regime's forces that were located there as a front defense line to protect Khartoum, the capital. The National Redemption Front forces were also able to destroy the security and police forces located in the area. Our forces gained all the military equipment of the regime forces and captured many of its defeated elements. Now the National Redemption Front forces are on their way toward Khartoum, the capital. The National Redemption Front gives this victory as a gift to all the people of Darfur and to all the marginalized people of Sudan as well. This is to rebut what is said that peace and tranquility were achieved in the country. The National Redemption Front would like to confirm that the struggle will continue until the racial cleansing regime in Khartoum is uprooted. Commander: Abdalla Banda Abbakar Thuraya: 008821630001181 Commander: Adam Bakhet Thuraya: 008821630000410 The liberated zone - Hamrat Al-Sheikh July 3, 2006 (End text) ¶2. Comment: Both signatories to this statement are SLA - Abdel Wahid field commanders; even so, the statement was released under the heading of "National Redemption Front," despite that fact that Abdel Wahid is not a party to the recently formed group. The document bears two SLM seals, one in English and one in Arabic. End comment. HUME