Sudan army and Ethiopia militias in deadly clashes near border

Clashes between Sudan’s army and Ethiopian militias near the border with Ethiopia over the past three days have left at least two people dead, a spokesman for the Sudanese army said on Thursday. 

In a televised statement, Brigadier General Amer Mohamed Al Hassan said that Ethiopian militias backed by the Ethiopian army had begun attacking areas in Gadaref state in eastern Sudan on 26 May.

“Backed by the Ethiopian army, the militias have attacked many areas along the border between Ethiopia and Sudan and have confiscated Sudanese resources,” Hassan said.

He said that at least two people had died and nine been wounded in the clashes, including soldiers and civilians.

“Between 26 May and 28 May, Ethiopian militias backed by the army have attacked the area of Al Birka in Sudan, but the Sudanese army has repulsed them," said Hassan.

"But the clashes have continued and that has led to the wounding of three civilians and killing of one child. Also, one army officer has been killed and six other soldiers have been wounded.”

Referring to Gadaref, Sudan's official SUNA news agency said: "Ethiopian militia penetrated through [the border] and attacked agricultural projects and clashed with military forces in Barkat Noreen camp."

Sudan and Ethiopia have been engaged in ongoing talks over the demarcation of the borders between the two countries.