Child burns to death in Jebel Marra raids

A child burned to death when militiamen attacked a village near Tabit, North Darfur, on Friday afternoon, and set it ablaze. In west Jebel Marra, three persons sustained injuries when militiamen raided Tur.

Militiamen in four vehicles and riding camels attacked Taradona, six kilometres west of Tabit in the afternoon, a witness reported. They opened fire on the homes and drove out the villagers. Their money and livestock was stolen.

The gunfire resulted in a fire that spread through the village and completely burned out a number of homes. Five-year-old Mohaidin Saleh burned to death in his home.

Another group of militiamen attacked Katur, Mashrou Abu Zeid, and Martala, where they stole dozens of cows, sheep, and goats.

Market closes

In western Jebel Marra, three people were seriously injured on Thursday after government-backed militiamen attacked Tur, where thousands of newly displaced people from Jebel Marra have sought refuge.

A sheikh told Radio Dabanga that the militiamen, on foot and driving six Land Cruisers and a large wagon, entered the market accompanied by heavy gunfire on Thursday evening.

Residents panicked and all shop owners closed their stalls in the market of Tur. No casualties were reported.

This week, the number of displaced people in Tur amounted to approximately 12,000. In Tur, Guldo, and Nierteti aid organisations have been unable to verify reported displacement or ascertain and respond to humanitarian needs.

The number of civilians displaced as a result of the recent conflict in Darfur’s Jebel Marra area has increased from 38,000 to 73,000, according to the latest estimates by the UN.