Rebel attack on oil field 'failed'

The Sudanese authorities have said a major oil field in the south-west is totally secure following reports of an attack by rebels.

A statement by a Sudanese military spokesman said the armed forces were in full control of the situation at Higlieg, in Unity province.

An official of a Canadian company Talisman involved in oil production at Higlieg said there had been a failed attack by a small militia group.

But no-one had been injured and production facilities had not been damaged.

The rebel Sudan People's Liberation Army earlier said they had attacked the oil field, damaging installations and inflicting heavy casualties. The SPLA leader, John Garang, warned in June that foreign oil firms in Sudan were legitimate targets for attack.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service