The Sudanese army said it has restored 17 areas from rebels of the Revolutionary Font in the South Kordofan State, including the strategic area of Abul-Hassan, Sudan's Defense Ministry Website said Saturday.

"The (Sudanese) Armed Forces have managed to liberate 17 areas in South Kordofan State including Abu Dimou, Kajorba, Al-Waliat, Shungul, Al-Karkau, Kaigatal-Khail, Kalanj, Al-Hijair, Habayel, Um Baraka, Hijair Sinainatal-Rawakib, Al-Deinat, Ambair, Hijair Yassin and Al-Firsha," the website quoted army spokesman, Al- Sawarmy Khalid Saad, as saying.

"The army has mainly liberated Abul-Hassan area, which represents a mobilizational, administrative and operational base for the rebels of the Revolutionary Front," said Saad, noting that the army seized a great number of weapons and ammunition.

A number of members of the Sudanese army were killed or injured during the clashes, he said, adding that the armed forces were continuing their operations in pursuing the "remnants" of the rebels who are on the run.

The army spokesman further reiterated that the armed forces would stick to its principle of protecting the citizens and bolstering the pillars of security and stability.

The South Kordofan and Blue Nile States have been witnessing armed clashes between the Sudanese army and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM)/ northern, which has formed the Revolutionary Front alliance with several Darfur armed movements to topple the government in Khartoum.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir vowed earlier to end all armed clashes and conflicts across the country by the end of 2014.

Last month, Defense Minister Abdul- Rahim Mohamed Hussein announced the launching of a major military campaign to end armed rebellion in Sudan's Darfur region and Blue Nile and South Kordofan States.