South Sudan Says It Has Seized Disputed Oil-Rich Area
South Sudan forces have captured a disputed oil-rich area along the border with Sudan, escalating tensions between the two longtime rivals and threatening a return to war.
Sudan claims the oil fields in the town of Heglig, which account for about half of the nation’s oil production.
A spokesman for South Sudan’s military said Wednesday that his country’s soldiers have been defending the territory from attacks by Sudanese forces for the past two days.
South Sudan’s military now occupies oil fields and other areas of Heglig, according to Philip Aguer, the spokesman.
George Clooney returns from Sudan Oil at the center of Sudan clashes
“That is South Sudan,” he said. “Khartoum has refused to demarcate the border. We know where the border is.”