New attacks launched on Darfur

2008-09-09 12:06

Khartoum - The Joint UN-African Mission in Darfur says the Sudanese military has launched a general attack on two villages in northern Darfur in a rebel-controlled area.

UNAMID reported that attack helicopters and a military convoy of 120 vehicles had been seen in the area.

Rebel leader Abdulwahid Elnur of the Sudan Liberation Movement told the UN-funded Miraya FM radio on Monday that government forces have been attacking the areas of Diza, Bir Mazza and Wadi Umbaru for the past three days.

The movement's field commander, Abdullah Suleiman, told the radio station that the attacks have lead to the displacement of thousands of civilians.

The armed forces have denied launching any attacks in the area beyond routine security patrols.

- AP