Sudanese Defence Minister Abdurrahim Mohamed Hussein addressed troops on Friday telling them the army is ready to launch new attacks as part of the second phase of the ‘decisive summer operation’ in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile states.

He spoke to the army’s Division 14 on Friday before the troops headed to the front in South Kordofan.

The minister said the military operation does not target a certain tribe or race, but rather it is carried out against those who threaten the security of the country.

He noted also that despite significant progress toward achieving military objectives, the military itself at the same time is eager to stop the bloodshed against fellow Sudanese.

Abdurrahim pointed out that the next round of negotiations with the SPLM-A will be the chance to stop the war, if the other party wants peace.

He stressed that the army is fully prepared to complete the second phase of the decisive summer operations. According to the minister, his visit to the government troops was to confirm their readiness to launch new attacks within the framework of the decisive summer operation.

File photo: SAF troops in Blue Nile