Five dead in East Darfur ‘Arab Spring’ ambush: update

Five people were killed and another five were injured in an ambush in East Darfur by the security services on Thursday, according to updated information Radio Dabanga has received. Earlier reports indicated that four people were killed in the attack in El Garadai against a former security services commander who defected and founded a movement called “Arab Spring”. Local sources said two of the fatal victims belonged to Sudanese security organs: the leader of the convoy, Lieutenant Takruni, and a member of the Central Reserve Forces (Abu Tira) called Sabri. Two other fatal victims belong to the Arab Spring delegation: Ismad Assadiq, and Ahmed Al Akrabi. The fifth victim was a civilian caught in the cross fire named Bedaui Ali. All five wounded men are members of the security services, although their names have not been published. Sources said they were taken to a hospital in Ed Daein where they are being treated. 13 security services’ vehicles According to a tribal source in East Darfur, ex-security services commander known as Hamudi was responsible for securing an oilfield in Adila locality. Unhappy with the policy of oilfield administrators towards local citizens, Hamudi defected. However, Sudanese security services asked a tribal leader to negotiate Hamudi’s return. The “Arab Spring” delegation was ambushed upon arriving in El Garadai, where talks would take place. Contrary to previous reports, Hamudi’s delegation was composed of seven people and not the one of the security services who ambushed the dissident.The convoy of the Sudanese authorities counted 13 vehicles. It is not clear how many officers were involved in the operation. Lastly, a source disclosed that after the ambush government officers left to East Darfur’s capital of Ed Daein. They arrested two herders who were carrying Kalashnikovs on their way.File photo by Albert Gonzalez Farran/ UNAMID Related: Ex-security officer, ‘Arab Spring’ founder ambushed in Darfur -source (25 April 2013)