Gunmen attack soldiers, scare town in Central Darfur

Clashes between a militia and military forces in Deleig, Central Darfur, resulted in the killing of one militia member and the wounding of another on Sunday. The attackers directed their anger against the market and shops a day later, terrorising villagers.

Witnesses from the area told Radio Dabanga on Monday that a group of “militant Abbala tribesmen” attacked the military garrison in Deleig in an attempt to steal one of the vehicles. The witness explained that the men wanted a compensation for the theft of a camel which they alleged was held by the soldiers.

One of the attackers, Adam Masar, was killed, and another sustained injuries. The soldiers have captured two while six of the attackers managed to flee. The wounded and the captives were transferred to Garsila, along with the body of Adam Mansar.

A witness said that the attack on the garrison coincided with the weekly market, sparking panic among the merchants. They rushed to close their shops. Some militia members, however, robbed a number of shoe shops, he reported.

“A number of displaced people, who live in a camp next to the military garrison, decided to flee to the southern side of the camp, in fear of the attackers. […] The militiamen are still besieging the area of Deleig market,” he told Radio Dabanga on Monday. “They broke into a market and stole the motorcycle of a resident today.”

He added that the militiamen also prevent residents from leaving Deleig at gunpoint, forcing two cars that tried to leave, to return.