Fighting in the Soudan.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 95, 28 March 1885, Page 6

Fighting in the Soudan.

Osman Digna, who has for some time been continually harassing the British garrison at Suakim, has at last allowed his force to come within striking distance of our soldiers, with the usual result. A few day ago, by way of .warning, General Graham summoned the rebel leader to surrender, and this summons being disregarded, a portion of the garrison sallied out to engage the enemy. The scene of combat was tlaskeen, a position among the hills a short distance to the westward of Suakim, which was held by about four thoueand Arabs It does not seem that the rebels courted the engagement ; indeed, their tactics have for some time back consisted in annoying and weaiying the garrison by repeated attacks and night surprises, always retiring, and never showing fight in earnest, To rid himselt of this standing menace, General Graham organised an expedition, which came up with the rebels, and after a severe engagement, lasting for five hour?, succeeded in routing them and driving them from the hills. The British force remains on the position thus won, and the throwing up of entrenchments there will secure the garrison against a renewal of those night attacks which Osman Digna was so fond of delivering. We are without detaild of the fighting, but, from the circumstances under which it took place, there is no doubt it gave opportunity for the display of great collective and individual bravery on the part of our troops. The rebel loss is stated at six hundred, while only twentytwo British soldiers were killed. The Arabs appear to have fought with their wonted reckless courage, as one of their furious charges threw the Bengal Cavalry into confusion. The result of the victory is important, for it not only clears the rebels from the neighbourhood of Suakim, but paves the way for the projected advance upon Berber. Osman Digna has retired upon his main position at Tamai, and in all probability an advance in force will be organised against him as soon as the Australian contingent reaches Suakim.