Opposition forces in Sudan on Wednesday captured the key eastern town of Kassala from government troops, but fighting was still raging at the airport outside the city, the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) announced.
The SPLA is a member of the umbrella opposition force known as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
SPLA spokesman Samson Kwaje told AFP by telephone that NDA forces entered Kassala on Wednesday morning and captured all installations, including the headquarters of the army's Fifth Brigade.
"Fighting is now taking place at Kassala airport, a 30-minute drive from the center of the town," Kwaje said, adding that the government had already sent in reinforcements from Homeshkorib, a town south of Kassala towards the Eritrean border.
Government soldiers seized Homeshkorib from NDA forces last week.
The SPLA spokesman said he could not give figures on possible casualties from the fighting.
The spokesman said celebrations were under way in the town to welcome NDA forces -- NAIROBI (AFP)
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