The Sudanese army says it's recaptured territory from rebel forces in the eastern state of Kassala, near the border with Eritrea.

A statement said one government soldier and a number of rebels were killed when the Talok and Togan areas were retaken.

It's the second time the Sudanese army has announced it's recaptured territory in the east since Sudan and Eritrea signed an agreement normalizing ties last month in Qatar.

There's been no word from the rebels.

Observers say the Sudanese army appears to be trying to put pressure on the rebels at a time when Eritrea is likely to be reluctant to intervene to help them.