In Sudan, a prominent Sudanese rebel group has released 127 prisoners whom it had captured in fighting with government forces. Army spokesman Brigadier Ahmed Khalifa al-Shami said in a statement that the released prisoners include 109 soldiers and 18 civilians.<br/><br/>The rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North had captured the prisoners in Blue Nile and South Kordofan states. Ethnic minority rebels in Blue Nile and South Kordofan have been fighting government forces since 2011. <br/><br/>Fighting in the two areas and in Darfur have left tens of thousands of people dead and displaced millions.