Gold miners at the disputed El Laffa area between Liri and Talodi Localities in Sudan’s South Kordofan state were attacked by unknown gunmen yesterday.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, several citizens confirmed that they were attacked by unidentified gunmen, saying the attackers might be youths from Talodi Locality.

“You know, about 6000 citizens who were in El Laffa area for the purpose of mining ran away leaving their tools behind after the assault, besides commodities belonging to local traders,” said one miner.

They also accused police of occupying the gold mine and using their tools.

Last months, clashes erupted also between police and citizens at gold mines in Rasaris area in El Tadamon Locality when some policemen allegedly threatened two citizens who were heading to the goldmine.

File photo: Children work in the processing site at a gold mine in South Sudan (by Marcus Bleasdale / Human Rights Watch)