‘Violations, aggression’ continue in East Jebel Marra

Violations and aggressions reportedly continue for the third consecutive day in East Jebel Marra, North Darfur, according to witnesses’ accounts from Friday, 4 January. One man called Al-Tahir Tiga was killed, sources assured, and government troops allegedly arrested and looted other civilians in addition to their cattle and properties.    They told Radio Dabanga that soldiers traveling on a government convoy composed of about 240 Land Cruisers have committed widespread abuses against civilians in East Jebel Marra. On Thursday morning, these forces were stationed in the area and closed off all roads leading to El-Fasher and Tabila, residents reported. Shelling Next to the ground attacks, several witnesses are claiming that the Sudanese Air Force has also continued shelling East Jebel Marra for a third consecutive day. More than 20 bombs were dropped on the areas of Bernjo, Jebel Nazir and Dobo, locals told Radio Dabanga. According to them, bombs “nearly wiped out all sources of water and pasture” in the region, besides having killed dozens of cattle. Local residents say they are facing “severe humanitarian and health difficulties” because of the siege of the militias. They appealed to international organizations to intervene and save their lives. Radio Dabanga file photo Related: ‘Militia raped, shaved heads of 3 women’ (3 January 2013)