Sudanese government denies supporting rebels in South Sudan now targeting its oil fields

KHARTOUM, Sudan – The Sudanese government has denied supporting rebels in South Sudan after it accused Khartoum of supplying arms to the insurgents threatening its oil fields.

Sudanese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ali al-Sadiq told the official SUNA news agency on Monday that his country has "no interest in such an intervention." He said instability in South Sudan would send more refugees into Sudan and create of hotspots along its border.

South Sudan military officials have alleged that Khartoum provides weapons and ammunition to a defected army leader in its Upper Nile state. Rebels are threatening South Sudan's remaining functional oil fields.

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after the region was engulfed in years of bloody civil war with Sudanese government troops.