The U.S. government is about to send military aid to three African countries collaborating to help overthrow the militant Islamic regime in Sudan, regarded in Washington as a key sponsor of international terrorism, according to Clinton administration and congressional officials.

Nearly $20 million in surplus U.S. military equipment will be sent to Ethiopia, Eritrea and Uganda, the officials said, adding that the three countries support Sudanese opposition groups preparing a joint offensive to topple the Khartoum government.

U.S. officials also deny that the equipment is specifically earmarked for the Sudanese rebels, despite the declared anti-Khartoum policies of the recipient governments. "We are assisting these governments in their own defense. Nothing we are giving them is to be used for any other purpose," said George E. Moose, assistant secretary of state for African affairs.