KHARTOUM, Sudan, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Amid growing international concern, Sudan's government backed a measure to extend its military campaign in the border state of Blue Nile.
Reports of fighting between rival Sudanese forces in Blue Nile state, which borders Sudan and South Sudan, prompted strong words last week from Catherine Ashton, the European Union's high representative for foreign affairs.
But a spokesman for the Sudanese military said last week, in statements to the official Sudan News Agency, that a "state of tension and panic" overcame the citizens of Blue Nile state when a soldier "opened fire by mistake."
He added there was no reason to worry about the security situation, stressing no one was injured and the situation there was calm.
Nevertheless, the Sudanese government endorsed a plan to extend military operations in the region to take on South Sudanese rebel forces.
Lawmakers in Khartoum called on government forces to find a "military resolution" to the border situation "irrespective of any talks," the Sudan Tribune reports.
Some in Khartoum, the report adds, rejected the military campaign on allegations it violated the country's constitution. Sudanese law puts limits the duration of military campaigns, though Sudan's president had said a state of emergency was in place indefinitely.
