Sudan: Heavy fighting in North Darfur, casualties unknown

[News_Editor]

Sudan: Heavy fighting in North Darfur, casualties unknown

2011-01-26 14:19:09 GMT+7 (ICT)

SUDAN (BNO NEWS) -- The African Union - United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) on Wednesday confirmed reports of intense fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Sudan Liberation Army / Minni Minnawi movements in North Darfur.

The clashes, which are continuing, began on Monday evening at approximately 7.20 p.m. local time in Tabit, approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) south of El Fasher. "UNAMID peacekeepers have been prevented from entering the area by SAF officers invoking security concerns," the agency said in an e-mailed statement.

Despite the lack of access, UNAMID peacekeepers are still attempting to gather further information, in particular about the possible impact of the fighting on the local population. UNAMID said it did not know if there were casualties or if residents may have fled the area.

UNAMID Joint Special Representative Ibrahim Gambari said he is 'very concerned' by this latest outbreak of violence. JSR Gambari reminded belligerents that the Darfur conflict cannot be solved militarily and that peace can only be achieved through an inclusive political process, not through the use of force.

Meanwhile, unrelated to the clashes, UNAMID reported on Wednesday that at least one person was killed following a search operation by Government security forces in the Zamzam internally displaced persons (IDP) camp. It was not immediately known how the man died, but UNAMID said its Human Rights section is closely monitoring the case.

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