South Sudan captures Sudan oil town

KHARTOUM, Sudan, April 11 (UPI) -- Fighting was reported along the disputed border between Sudan and South Sudan as the South took control of the border town of Heglig, officials said.

South Sudan said it captured the oil-rich town in retaliation for air attacks by Sudan's air force in Abiemnhom that injured four civilians, the Sudan Tribune reported Wednesday. South Sudan said it has called on the United Nations Security Council, the African Union and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development to condemn Sudan's violation of South Sudan's airspace.

A South Sudan military spokesman called Sudan's attacks on the disputed border area "provocative," the Sudan Tribune said.

The spokesman said the Sudanese military, backed by 16 tanks, was moving toward South Sudan's Unity state "with the intent to capture and occupy the oil fields."

The Sudanese government said Tuesday it retains the right to use all legitimate means to defend the integrity of its territory.

A two-decade civil war between northern and southern areas of Sudan ended in 2005 and South Sudan gained independence in July as part of a peace agreement, although issues governing oil were not fully ironed out.