Abu Tira attacks in Darfur due to ‘lack of salaries’ major says

A local ‘Abu Tira’ commander announced his troops are carrying out attacks in North Darfur because they have not received their salaries or food rations. Major Al Hadi Hamid, the local commander of the Central Reserve Forces (Abu Tira), made the announcement to a delegation of Tawila residents that demanded to meet him in light of recent attacks.   Shops and houses have been closed and streets are virtually deserted in Tawila following four days of lootings and beatings carried out by Abu Tira against local residents. The 50-member delegation of Tawila comprised native leaders, elders and sheikhs of three displaced camps, namely Dali, Rwanda and Argo. A source who attended the meeting told Radio Dabanga on Thursday the major “vowed to put an end to assaults and lootings his forces are carrying out against civilians”. However, multiple witnesses affirmed Abu Tira are still wandering around and citizens fear leaving their homes. Concerning the nine commercial trucks the insurgents seized between Monday and Tuesday, the Abu Tira major said he would use the vehicles until El Fasher sends him new ones.File photo: ‘Abu Tira’ forcesRelated: 7 injured as ‘Abu Tira’ forces shut down North Darfur market (10 April 2013)