Sudan claims control in disputed Heglig

A heroes welcome for Sudanese military personal in the Heglig border region.

Soldiers stand on tope of a battered South Sudanese tank leaving no doubt who is in control of the holtly disputed oil area.

Heglig was at the center of the worst violence between Sudan and South Sudan since they split into two countries under a 2005 peace deal that ended decades of civil war.

South Sudan seized the region - earlier this month, before withdrawing last week under heavy international pressure and, according to Khartoum, a thrashing at the hands of the Sudanese army.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) SUDANESE COMMANDER, MAJOR GENERAL KAMAL ABDUL MAROUF, SAYING:

"We killed and destroyed them. Their dead bodies amounted to 1200 and they also lost military vehicles, tanks, weapons and large quantities of ammunition."

The loss of the economically vital region had been a major shock to many Sudanese. News that it was back under the control of Sudan's army set off widespread celebrations in Khartoum.

Heglig produces about half of the Sudan's oil after the South seceded. Both sides have accused one another of damaging its infrastructure.

Military tensions continued to mount after South Sudan accused Sudan of bombing a market calling the attack a declaration of war. Sudan's army denied carrying out any air raids.

Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters