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Darfur Rebels Say They Repulsed Attacks by Sudanese Army

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Rebels in Sudan's troubled Darfur region say they have beaten back two attacks by the Sudanese army and taken "numerous prisoners", in addition to more than 30 vehicles.

The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) says the attacks took place near the West Darfur capital, Geneina, between Friday night and Saturday morning.

JEM says at least two of its members were killed and at least six others were wounded during the incidents. It says it captured at least 29 soldiers and several officers.

The rebel group says it also attacked the Defra oil facility in neighboring Kordofan state.

There has been no confirmation of the clashes from the Sudanese military.

The attack on Defra, if confirmed, would be the second on the Chinese-run oilfield in two months.

Darfur rebels have accused China of indirectly funding the Sudanese government's war effort through investments in Sudan's oil industry.

Darfur rebels from mainly non-Arab tribes began their uprising in early 2003, accusing the government of neglect. Nearly five years of fighting since then has killed more than 200,000 people and displaced some 2.5 million.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.

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