Militiamen attack, rob West Darfur villagers

A pro-government militia attacked and robbed 21 people in several villages in Sirba locality, West Darfur, on Wednesday. Speaking to Radio Dabanga, the coordinator of the Sirba camps said that the militia elements, riding on the backs of camels and horses, assaulted El Sawany, El Garbiya, Munzula, and Hillet Ateem at 10 pm. “They beat the villagers with rifle butts, crutches, and lashed them with whips. They wounded 21 people, who have been taken to the hospital for treatment.” He said that the militiamen robbed the villagers’ money and properties, even cups, shoes, and baby clothes. A rescue team of villagers traced the perpetrators, who entered a stronghold of the pro-government militias east of El Geneina, in Erbako, according to the coordinator. Last week, he told Radio Dabanga that camp residents were not able to enjoy the Eid El Fitr of the holy month, as the security situation has deteriorated significantly in the locality. “Insecurity increased in the region, […] in particular in the areas between Saraf Jidad, Tendelti, Armankul, and the capital El Geneina,” the coordinator said. File photo Related: Security situation deteriorating in Sirba, West Darfur (31 July 2014) Janjaweed raid village in Sirba, West Darfur (9 July 2014)