Sudan Rebels Holding 29 Chinese

China reportedly building roads in dangerous southern Sudan
By Mark Russell,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 29, 2012 5:51 AM CST
Sudan Rebels Holding 29 Chinese
The Sudan People's Liberation Army is a force in much of southern Sudan. Reports say it was behind yesterday's attack which has left 20 Chinese workers missing.   (Getty Images)

At least 29 Chinese citizens are being held by Sudanese militants after a battle with Sudan's army at a road-construction project in a remote and volatile region of the country yesterday, reports the AP. The rebels tell MSNBC that they're holding the Chinese "for their own safety because the army was trying to strike again."

The group holding the Chinese is the Sudan People's Liberation Army, a guerilla arm of the ethnic group that controls much of newly formed South Sudan. China has many energy projects in Sudan, along with a large number of workers. Sudan has launched a rescue mission and is increasing security on other Chinese projects in the country. (More Sudan stories.)

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