sweeping operation of government forces, citizens flee

Many citizens fled from their villages into the mountains after renewed attacks by government forces in East Jebel Mara. It was reported that the forces stationed in Tabet in Northern Darfur, yesterday started moving with 3 tanks and 16 vehicles backed by Antonov Airplanes and helicopters and started a sweeping operation on a wide range of areas including Bloma, Umsayala, Jabeen, Kolky and Angaigo. A witness told Radio Dabanga that forces not only looted properties, but also beat up people and questioned them about their tribes.

Adam Salih Ababkr, spokesman for the Sudan Liberation Movement under the Leadership of Mini Minawi, claimed that the government aircrafts have increased its bombardments on large areas in East Jebel Mara. He noted that these attacks have left many losses amongst civilians, livestock and water resources. The spokesperson also said that there are other movements by government forces aimed to launch attacks on Karnoi, Ambro and Abu Layiya, in Northern Darfur.

Adam Salih Ababkr called upon the international community to move quickly to save the civilians from what he called ‘the second genocide by the Khartoum regime’.

Radio Dabanga was unable to contact the military spokesman of the government for comments.