‘20+ dead’ as Darfur bandits clash with Chadian pursuit posse

At least 20 people are reportedly dead following clashes between Darfur gunmen and a Chadian pursuit posse on Tuesday.

Witnesses told Radio Dabanga that a gang of bandits crossed the West Darfur border into Chad, where they allegedly indulged in looting and robbery. An armed party pursued them as they fled back into West Darfur.

The pursuers intercepted the bandits near Mary in Jebel Moon locality, and a fierce clash ensued, in which 16 of the bandits were reportedly killed or wounded. Three of the Chadian pursuit team died, and an unknown number were injured.

The Commissioner of Jebel Moon locality, Sheikh Hafez, acknowledged that a deadly clash occurred between gunmen and pursuers, but could not confirm the numbers of dead and wounded.

On Tuesday, the Governor of West Darfur attended the funeral in El Geneina of eight herders who were killed in recent violence in the state.