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South Sudan provided logistical, financial and political support, but not weapons, to rebels fighting to overthrow the government in neighbouring Sudan, according to a report from the Small Arms Survey, an independent Swiss research group.

This is the first time an independent organisation has said South Sudan is helping Sudanese rebels, a charge South Sudan has often denied.

The alleged support was through the provision of vehicles, fuel and food to SPLM-N fighters and other rebel groups. There is also evidence that training may have been provided in a garrison in South Sudan's Western Bahr el Ghazal state.

The report titled "New War, Old Enemies: Conflict dynamics in South Kordofan" documents the first year of renewed fighting beginning in June 2011 between the SPLM-North rebels and the Sudan Armed Forces and paramilitary forces. — AP