Continued Violations Both Sudans Still Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

Transcription

1 Continued Violations Both Sudans Still Violating Demilitarized Border Zone Satellite Sentinel Project Monitoring the Crisis in the Sudans satsentinel.org

2 Continued Violations Both Sudans Still Violating Demilitarized Border Zone September 2013 COVER: DigitalGlobe imagery of Kiir Adem, 14-Mile Area, Sudan, from September 12, Satellite Sentinel Project

3 Introduction New satellite imagery of the border area between Sudan and South Sudan shows that neither government has fulfilled international obligations to demilitarize their shared border. 1 Despite public recommitments made by both presidents in early September 2013, 2 Sudanese and South Sudanese forces retain military units within the Safe Demilitarized Border Zone (SDBZ), including areas that are still subject to border dispute. DigitalGlobe satellite imagery shows that Sudan has kept a military presence along the border at six locations with 14 occupied positions. Sudan appears to have made an effort to remove or relocate some units positioned inside the SDBZ, but only the unit at Radom appears to be vacated. South Sudanese forces dismantled and then reoccupied a highway defensive position at Teshwin and have reduced their presence at Al Abyad Lake, Kiir Adem, Al-Kwek and Joda. Still, South Sudan maintains a presence at 10 locations in the SDBZ with 22 units. Tanks, technicals (truck-mounted heavy machine guns) and tents are visible on both sides of the border in satellite imagery (Figure 1). In September 2013, DigitalGlobe acquired and analyzed satellite imagery over a broad section of the border area in order to expand and update analysis presented in Satellite Sentinel Project s June 2013 report, Troops in the Demilitarized Zone: Confirmation of Violations by Sudan and South Sudan. 3 The previously identified South Sudanese positions at Vulu were the only facilities not imaged for this new report. 4 The imagery selected for this report reflects broader patterns of activity along the border. The UN Security Council has tasked the Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA) with providing operational support for the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism ( JBVMM) that helps both countries track demilitarization. 5 This report, the latest in a series from the Satellite Sentinel Project, 6 offers visual confirmation of continued violations of the demilitarized zone and supplements ongoing efforts by UNISFA and the JBVMM to monitor the area. 1 Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

4 Figure 1 Approximate alignment of DMZ al Kwek Tayyibah Keri Kera al Miqenis Heglig Wunthou/Halaka Radom al Kwek Quffa Vulu Kiir Adem Es Sumeih Raqabat Teshwin Jau Aleel SAF/PDF SPLA/SPLM-N Boundaries and names used on this map for illustration purposes only 2 Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

5 Sudanese Positions within the Safe Demilitarized Border Zone (SDBZ) Keri Kera Area Keri Kera Infantry Unit A review of DigitalGlobe s archival imagery shows that the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) has maintained a reinforced infantry company at Keri Kera, White Nile State, since at least In July 9, 2013, imagery, Keri Kera remained occupied with a reinforced infantry company consisting of three tanks, three howitzers, at least three technicals and more than 100 tents. 7 As of September 16, 2013, the unit was still active within the SDBZ. Um Jalala Tank Garrison This probable tank garrison is 3.5 kilometers west of the border with South Sudan that runs along the White Nile River and 12 kilometers north of Al Kwek. A probable tank platoon has been noted here since at least November In imagery acquired September 26, 2013, there was a tent near the middle of the installation similar to those seen at other SAF garrisons that support tanks. Vehicle tracks around the camp suggest tanks could be present. 3 Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

6 Tayyibah West Defensive Post An earthen-bermed position with vehicle revetments built into the perimeter was 2.5 kilometers west of the border with South Sudan and 8 kilometers north of Al-Kwek. This reinforced SAF infantry company has been here since at least November Three tanks and two howitzers were deployed along with more than 120 tents and structures on September 26, Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

7 Al Kwek The installation at Al Kwek has diminished in size since it was last observed in May 2013, but residual SAF troops might still remain positioned in the area. An SAF-reinforced infantry company unit was last observed in December 26, 2012, imagery and was deployed defensively around the village of Al Kwek (also known as al-kuek and ad-dahl) in White Nile State, Sudan. The company consisted of three tanks and at least 20 technicals. All of that equipment and more than half of the tents supporting the unit were no longer observed on May 8, 2013, coverage. 8 At least 20 tents remained in close proximity to the earthen berm, along with two possible technicals on September 14, It is possible that the remaining tents support a residual infantry force, but ground verification is necessary to determine a military presence. Al Miqenis Al Miqenis Defensive Post The SAF earthen-bermed installation Al Miqenis (El-Seriha), a disputed area in South Kordofan State that is 1.7 kilometers from the border and well within the SDBZ, has remained manned with tanks, artillery batteries, 5 Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

8 technicals, several sports-utility vehicles and cargo trucks since at least February More than 120 tents or similar structures provided support and shelter to the reinforced infantry company observed here in September 10, 2013, imagery. Jabal Al Miqenis Post This military post, nestled against the south side of another disputed area, Jabal Miqenis, was first observed under construction in May Imagery shows that by November 2012, a squad-sized SAF infantry unit occupied the post, but the unit had departed by July The post is less than a mile from the border and is within the SDBZ. A review of DigitalGlobe s imagery shows that it remained unoccupied on September 10, Al Miqenis South Post This post is in a disputed area less than a kilometer from the border, and it has been occupied with a variety of SAF or People s Defense Force (PDF) units since at least February DigitalGlobe imagery from September 10, 2013, shows that elements of a reinforced infantry company with nine to 10 technicals occupied this post. 6 Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

9 Heglig Area The above map shows an approximation of the SDBZ in the Heglig area and the military positions affected by the 10-kilometer exclusion zone on both sides of the border. Imagery analysis reveals that Sudan had six military deployments in the Heglig area residing within the SDBZ. Heglig, also known as Panthou, is a claimed area that lies between Unity and South Kordofan states. Heglig Garrison South This small SAF unit, approximately 3 kilometers north of the border, was occupied with a company-sized unit of infantry consisting of at least three tanks and more than 100 tents or similar structures in February By April 2013, 13 the company-sized unit was reduced to an infantry platoon supported by technicals. The unit has remained at that level through September 17, Heglig Garrison South #1 This SAF position was nearly abandoned in April As of September 17, 2013, however, the position supported a reinforced infantry company with three tanks and artillery, as it did in March Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

10 Heglig Garrison South #2 In December 2012, 16 this SAF encampment supported a tank platoon that departed by April 2013, leaving 20 tents and three possible technicals. 17 As of September 17, 2013, 14 tents and two technicals remained. Heglig East Infantry Post Elements of two SAF infantry platoons occupied this camp in December Over the subsequent months, the unit was reduced to one infantry platoon and remained so on September 17, Heglig Infantry Position #1 The position at one time supported elements of two SAF infantry platoons. Since March 2013, 18 the military presence has been downsized from elements of an infantry company to an infantry squad and remained at that level through September 17, 2013, when images were last acquired and analyzed. Heglig Oilfield Defensive Position Similar to other encampments around Heglig, this small earthen-bermed position at one time was occupied by an SAF infantry platoon. By September 2013, it had been reduced to an infantry squad. No crew serviced weapons were visible. 8 Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

11 Radom May 13, 2013, DigitalGlobe imagery of an SAF outpost in Radom showed permanent buildings and seven tents dispersed around the earthen-bermed perimeter. 19 When previously observed on November 20, 2012, this facility, which is located 1.3 kilometers north of the Kiir River, included three Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), several trucks, at least three mortar pits, and a shed that could have contained three tanks. 20 DigitalGlobe s review of the May and September 2013 imagery concludes that the vehicles and the support tents are no longer present, indicating that SAF has abandoned this defensive post within the SDBZ. The Kiir River, also called Bahr al Arab, is a disputed area that lies between Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Southern Darfur states. Claimed areas north of Kiir River include Majak, also known as Meiram, between Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Southern Darfur and South Kordofan states. 9 Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

12 South Sudanese Positions within the SDBZ Quffa Area A review of DigitalGlobe s archival imagery shows that South Sudan has two occupied positions 2.5 kilometers west of the border with Blue Nile State at Quffa at least since May The camps are separated by about 100 meters and both have defensive perimeters of foxholes and tents. Quffa North Camp #1 This SPLA camp has been observed since at least May As of September 2013, this area had more than 75 tents or similar structures. No crew-served heavy weapons were observed in the camp. Quffa North Camp #2 This SPLA camp was larger than Camp #1 with more than 180 tents or similar structures observed. Neither camp had observable crew-served heavy weapons, such as tanks, artillery or technicals. 10 Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

13 Wunthou/Halaka Area Wunthou/Halaka Armored Unit The SPLA continues to occupy a defensive position at Wunthou (Halaka), a disputed area 7.5 kilometers south of the border, with elements of a reinforced infantry battalion. The four tanks present on December 26, 2012, remain within the facility. 21 DigitalGlobe imagery from September 16, 2013, shows that at least 200 tents and temporary structures line the inside of the earthen-bermed camp. Another 150 tents and structures are centrally located within the berms and might support families of SPLA personnel stationed at this location. Joda The presence of armed forces around Joda, a disputed area on the eastern bank of the White Nile between South Sudan s Upper Nile and Sudan s White Nile state, remains controversial. Sudan and South Sudan both appear to have accepted a drainage or irrigation ditch in the village of Joda as the ad hoc border between the two countries. A review of DigitalGlobe s archival imagery shows that the SPLA had occupied a border defensive position 2.2 kilometers north of the center line at Joda from 2009 to some point before July 9, The SPLA position had included elements of an infantry company inside a rectangular-shaped earthen berm. 11 Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

14 Although the Sudans traded accusations of occupying Joda in June and August 2013, 22 images from July 9 and September 16, 2013, show an abandoned site. Emtidad Defensive Position A small platoon-sized infantry unit, believed to be an SPLA position, is located within 4 kilometers of the border at the village of Emtidad, Upper Nile State. This unit is positioned just north of a market area and immediately east of the village and consists of approximately 30 tents dispersed around a perimeter of probable foxholes. 23 It remained active on September 16, Kilo-4 Defensive Post (South) A small squad-size SPLA unit was first observed on the northern side of Kilo-4 village in Upper Nile State, South Sudan, as early as December Thirty tents were positioned in a 120-meter diameter circular pattern around two buildings. 24 No heavy weapons were observed in the encampment, which was still visible on September 16, Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

15 Al Kwek Al Kwek Defensive Line A probable SPLA unit, without crew-served heavy weapons, established a defensive line approximately 500 meters south of the border in January Imagery from May 8, 2013, showed that the unit remained in place at that time. The defensive line measures approximately 2.5 kilometers in length and consists of tents dispersed behind the line of foxholes. 25 By September 14, 2013, most of the tents were gone, and only approximately 20 remained in place. No military equipment is observed, and ground verification will be necessary to confirm the presence of SPLA troops. 13 Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

16 Aleel Aleel SPLA Garrison The Aleel position is in South Sudan s Unity State, 8.2 kilometers west of the border with South Kordofan and within the SDBZ. DigitalGlobe Analytics has observed a defensive post containing more than 170 tents and structures on the south side of a main highway since at least February 21, Very little change was observed here as of September 10, Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

17 Jau Area Jau is located adjacent to the south side of Al Abyad (al Abeid) Lake. The lake represents the border between the two countries. Until sometime in mid-2013, either the SPLA or a rebel group was positioned in two camps just north of the border. These camps were dismantled in the July August 2013 time frame and remain unoccupied. Three camps south of the border remain occupied with suspected SPLA forces. Jau Camp #1 This camp, previously reported as Al Abyad Camp 1, housed more than 200 tents and structures. No heavy weapons or artillery were observed in May In early September 2013, mere days after both presidents recommitted themselves to peaceful relations, 27 an SAF jet dropped bombs on the SPLA installation in Jau. 28 Imagery taken in July 2013 was compared with imagery from September 8, 2013, and revealed a crater seven meters in diameter, consistent with the size of an aerial bombardment, within the fortified camp. At least two tents or similar structures were obliterated by the bomb blast Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

18 Jau Camp #2 This SPLA camp, previously reported as Qardud Camp 2, had more than 250 tents and huts within a large foxhole-lined perimeter in May Armored vehicle tracks throughout the area suggest that two or three tanks might be present, but foliage precludes an accurate assessment. Approximately half of the tents seen here in May were removed. Only approximately 100 tents lined the western and southern approaches to this camp on September 8, Jau Camp #3 The camp consists of a defensive line of approximately 120 tents positioned behind a foxhole perimeter just north of the market area at Jau. No crew-served heavy weapons were observed in the area. 16 Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

19 Teshwin Area Teshwin SPLA Highway Position A review of DigitalGlobe s archival imagery shows that the SPLA position at Teshwin supported six tanks in January They were removed in April 30 only to be redeployed by September 4, All six tanks were parked in the same location on September 21, Unity Oilfield Defensive Position This probable SPLA defensive position is 7.6 kilometers south of the border and has 85 tents positioned on a cleared wellhead site. DigitalGlobe did not observe vehicles or military equipment, but the disposition of the tents suggests it is an SPLA infantry unit. This unit was present in imagery collected on September 21, Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

20 Raqabat Raqabat Umm Beiro Bridge Defensive Post This SPLA defensive position directly south of the Bahr al-arab has been here since at least March Since January 2013, more than 150 tents and huts have been observed behind a rectangular-shaped perimeter consisting of an earthen-berm, trench and foxholes. The defensive position was split nearly in half by a main road. Tracked vehicle scars were observed, and these tracks suggest that tanks were present at one time. 31 DigitalGlobe analysis of imagery from May 29, 2013, shows little change in the position. Tanks could still be present under trees in the installation. Imagery from September 12, 2013, reveals little change to this defensive position. Es Sumeih South Sudan maintains three occupied defensive positions in the area of Es Sumeih, all within 7 kilometers of the Bahr al Arab, which serves as the border in the hotly contested 14-mile area. 18 Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

21 Es Sumeih North Railroad Bridge Defensive Position The largest of the three positions is at the railroad bridge crossing the Bahr al Arab. As early as January 2013, this position had more than 150 tents and huts scattered inside a perimeter of foxholes. The defensive position remained occupied on May 29, 2013, and it had grown to approximately 270 tents with a tank observed parked under a tree. Tank tracks suggest that at least one additional tank was in the area. 32 High water levels were noted in the river and low spots were noted within this still occupied position on September 4, Es Sumeih Defensive Position #2 January 2013 imagery shows another defensive post less than 2.5 kilometers south of the bridge position. This post had 45 tents and huts inside a rectangular perimeter that flanked both sides of the railroad tracks. 33 DigitalGlobe Analytics did not observe heavy weaponry in imagery from September 4, Es Sumeih Railway Station Position The third position is at the Es Sumeih railroad station about 6.5 kilometers from the railroad bridge over the Bahr al Arab. This position also flanks both sides of the railroad track and in January 2013 it consisted of more than 150 tents and huts. By May 29, 2013, the number of tents and huts had grown to 170, with vehicle tracks in the installation suggesting a tank or other tracked vehicle might be positioned under the trees. 34 Some standing water was observed in this still-occupied position on September 4, Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

22 Kiir Adem Kiir Adem, also called Safaha, is a small village near a bridge crossing the Bahr al-arab, approximately 280 kilometers west of Heglig (Panthou). In the Kiir Adem area (part of the 14-mile zone), the SPLA has somewhat reduced the size of two garrisons, Kiir Adem Bridge Position and Kiir Adem South Defensive Position. Kiir Adem Bridge Position South Sudan has maintained a defensive position immediately south of the bridge since at least November Aside from a small reduction in the number of tents within the earthen-bermed protected position, no changes were observed in imagery from April 11, September 12, 2013, imagery shows a 50-percent reduction in the number of tents at this position. No tanks or armored vehicles, artillery or other crew-served weapons were observed in the imagery. 20 Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

23 Kiir Adem South Defensive Position A new installation was observed in the April 11, 2013, imagery, 4.5 kilometers south of the bridge. DigitalGlobe considered this location to be another SPLA infantry unit without crew-served heavy weapons. 366 This position was not observed in imagery from May September 2013 imagery showed a similar 50-percent reduction in the number of the tents or similar structures at this camp. Vulu Three SPLA encampments, located near the confluence of the Rikki and Siri Rivers, were constructed between December 2009 and November 2011 within one kilometer of the border with Sudan. DigitalGlobe has not acquired any imagery over these camps since June 1, The information below was provided in the initial SSP report. 37 Vulu SPLA Tank Encampment Northeast The northernmost of the three SPLA positions, a tank encampment, contained more than 350 tents in June Tracked vehicle scaring was observed for the first time in 2012 and was more pronounced in imagery from June 1, It is possible that several tanks are deployed here but hidden under the trees. Vulu North SPLA Encampment In June 2012, the second area, an SPLA encampment, was just becoming active and had 90 tents just inside a perimeter of foxholes. By June 1, 2013, more than 200 tents were observed within the foxhole and hand-dug trench perimeter. The additional tents probably came from an abandoned position located 800 meters west of this camp. Vulu SPLA Border Camp The third camp in the area (Border Camp) had a 150-meter diameter foxhole and zig-zag trench perimeter that provided protection for more than 80 tents and tukuls in June By June 1, 2013, the border camp s inner perimeter was replaced with a similar outer perimeter, approximately 250 meters in diameter, which now provides protection to more than 200 tents and tukuls. 21 Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

24 1. On September 27, 2012 Sudanese President Omar al-bashir and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir signed an agreement to withdraw from and demilitarize the border area. See Agreement on Security Arrangements between The Republic of the Sudan and The Republic of South Sudan, available at html#. The demilitarized buffer zone along the border is 12.4 miles, or 20 kilometers, wide. 2. Khalid Abdelaziz, Bashir, Kiir Pledge to Open New Page in Sudan Ties, Keep Oil Running, Reuters, September 3, 2013, available at org/item/ zcaa/?source=hpbreaking; Sudan, South Avert Oil Pipeline Shutdown, Agence France-Presse, September 3, 2013, available at sudan-south-avert-oil-pipeline-shutdown. 3. Troops in the Demilitarized Zone: Confirmation of Violations by Sudan and South Sudan, June For imagery and analysis of Vulu see Troops in the Demilitarized Zone, pp The Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM) was established in the September 27, 2012 Agreement on Security Arrangements between The Republic of the Sudan and The Republic of South Sudan. For the UN Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA) mandate to provide operational support for JBVMM see UN Security Council Resolution 2024, S/RES/2024, (December 14, 2011), available at journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/res/2024%20(2011). See also UN Security Council Resolution 2104, S/RES/2104, (May 29, 2013), available at See also Satellite Sentinel Project, Troops in the Demilitarized Zone: Confirmation of Violations by Sudan and South Sudan, (June 2013), available at pdf; Satellite Sentinel Project, Broken Agreement: Violations in the Demilitarized Border Zone by Sudan and South Sudan, (May 2013), available at See analysis, Troops in the Demilitarized Zone, p Khalid Abdelaziz, Bashir, Kiir Pledge to Open New Page in Sudan Ties, Keep Oil Running, Reuters, September 3, 2013, available at org/item/ zcaa/?source=hpbreaking; Sudan, South Avert Oil Pipeline Shutdown, Agence France-Presse, September 3, 2013, available at sudan-south-avert-oil-pipeline-shutdown. 28. Sudan Bombs S. Sudan Buffer Zone Position, Kills 2, Agence France-Presse, September 8, 2013, available at Bonifacio Taban Kuich, SAF Bomb Attack in Unity State Leaves Two Dead, Six Injured. Sudan Tribune, September 8, available at spip.php?article Satellite Sentinel Project, Situation Report: Evidence of an Airstrike in South Sudan, (September 10, 2013), available at sites/default/files/reports/situation-report_evidence-of-airstrikes-in- South-Sudan.pdf. 30. Broken Agreement, p See analysis, Troops in the Demilitarized Zone, p Troops in the Demilitarized Zone, pp See analysis, Troops in the Demilitarized Zone, p See images and analysis, Troops in the Demilitarized Zone, pp For imagery and analysis see Broken Agreement, p For analysis see Broken Agreement, pp Troops in the Demilitarized Zone, pp Troops in the Demilitarized Zone, p Troops in the Demilitarized Zone, p See analysis in Troops in the Demilitarized Zone, p See analysis in Troops in the Demilitarized Zone, p See analysis in Troops in the Demilitarized Zone, p Satellite Sentinel Project, Broken Agreement: Violations in the Demilitarized Border Zone by Sudan and South Sudan, (May 2013), available at p Broken Agreement, p Broken Agreement, p See image, Broken Agreement, p See image, Satellite Sentinel Project, Situation Report: Sudan Armed Forces Buildup in Heglig, (March 15, 2013), available at org/sites/default/files/sudan%20armed%20forces%20buildup%20in%20 Heglig%20March%2015%2C% pdf, p Broken Agreement, p See image and analysis, Broken Agreement, p Troops in the Demilitarized Zone, p Troops in the Demilitarized Zone, p Troops in the Demilitarized Zone, p For recent accounts surrounding claims of a South Sudanese presence in Joda see Mading Ngor and Michael Gunn, South Sudan Leader Labels Sudan Oil Threat a Declaration of War, Bloomberg, June 10, 2013, available at Mohammed Alameen, Sudan Accuses South Sudan of Occupying Disputed Area, Africa Review, August 26, 2013, Troops in the Demilitarized Zone, p See analysis, Troops in the Demilitarized Zone, p See images and analysis, Troops in the Demilitarized Zone, p Satellite Sentinel Project Continued Violations: Both Sudans Violating Demilitarized Border Zone

25 Satellite Sentinel Project conducts regular, intensive monitoring of Sudan to assess the current human security situation and identify potential threats to civilians. Satellite Sentinel Project satsentinel.org