VZCZCXRO0671
OO RUEHMA RUEHROV
DE RUEHKH #2201 2551521
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 121521Z SEP 06
FM AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4500
INFO RUCNFUR/DARFUR COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHMFISS/CJTF HOA PRIORITY

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 002201 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR AF/SPG, S/CRS, AF/RSA 
DEPT PLS PASS USAID FOR AFR/SUDAN 
 
E.O. 12958:  N/A 
TAGS: PGOV KPKO SOCI AU UN US SU
SUBJECT:  FIGHTING RESUMES IN NORTH DARFUR AS NRF CAPTURES UM SIDIR 
 
 
¶1. (SBU) UN sources report that on September 11, National Redemption 
Front (NRF) forces attacked and recaptured Um Sidir, 90 km north of 
El Fasher.  In reprisal for the NRF attack, on September 12, 
Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) initiated bombing of Um Sidir and 
Hashaba North.  It is believed that SAF ground forces will most 
likely follow the aerial bombardment within 24-48 hours.  These 
forces are likely to come from the Kutum, Kafod, and Mellit staging 
areas, possibly extending along the Kutum-Kulkul-Mellit line.  There 
are also reports of fighting in the Dobo area, East Jebel Marra, and 
the region from Tawilla to Tabarat and surrounding areas.  Note: 
Embassy Political Specialist in El Fasher also reports fighting, to 
include the hijacking of several Government vehicles, resulting in 
many killed and wounded, with wounded being medevaced to hospitals 
in El Fasher.  End note. 
 
¶2. (SBU) Comment:  The NRF attack on Um Sidir is likely an attempt 
to forestall the SAF offensive pushing northwest out of El Fasher 
into rebel-held areas of North Darfur.  SAF ground troops are 
expected to retake and hold Um Sidir in coming days.  End comment. 
 
 
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