Khartoum (ICRC) ? The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
yesterday facilitated the release and transport of twelve members of the
Sudanese armed and police forces who had been held by the Sudanese
Liberation Army (SLA) in South Darfur.

The detainees were captured several months ago by the SLA and held in
different locations. Gathered in Muhajaria, south Darfur, the detainees
were transferred into the care of the ICRC and transported by road to
Nyala, where they were handed over to the relevant governmental
authorities.

Previous to yesterday's release, the ICRC team, among them one health
delegate, interviewed the detainees privately and verified that they agreed
to return voluntarily to Nyala. Their health condition was also checked to
ensure that they were physically fit for the journey.

The ICRC has since 1978 been helping people affected by the consequences of
armed conflict in Sudan. Since July of this year the organization has
fulfilled its role as a neutral intermediary facilitating the release of
some 480 persons, most of whom were detained in relation to the former
conflict in South Sudan.