Escalation: Evidence of SAF and SPLA Combat Operations

Satellite Sentinel Project / Harvard Humanitarian Initiative

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The Satellite Sentinel Project has confirmed through the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative’s analysis of DigitalGlobe satellite imagery that Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) have deployed a significantly increased number of combat capable air assets within range of South Sudan’s border and territory. SSP has documented evidence consistent with reported aerial bombardment in close proximity to a strategic bridge located in Unity State, South Sudan. SAF spokesman al-Sawarmi Khaled Saad denied Sudan’s involvement in the bombings. "We’re just defending our land, and we have nothing to do with what’s happening in Unity state," he said on 16 April 2012.

In imagery dated 15 April, SSP has identified evidence consistent with alleged looting by Sudan People’s Liberation Army and SPLA-aligned forces at a SAF military installation in Heglig. In imagery dated 16 April, SSP identified the presence of apparently razed structures in Heglig town. Although the structures were razed between February and April 2012, SSP cannot currently determine the exact time of the razing, the actors involved, or the precise context in which the buildings were destroyed. Both Sudan and South Sudan claim sovereignty over Heglig, which South Sudan refers to as Panthou.

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