Missile detonates in Darfur’s East Jebel Marra

More than 70 sheep and goats were killed when an unexploded missile detonated in the area of Khor Mali in East Jebel Marra on Saturday. Large tracts of farmlands burned to ashes. “The animals must have moved the missile, causing it to detonate”, a farmer told Radio Dabanga from Khor Mali on Sunday afternoon. “Vast tracts of farmlands planted with sorghum, millet, sesame, okra, and watermelons were destroyed,” he explained. “The fire is still burning.” Years of conflict have left Darfur littered with potentially deadly explosives and munitions. Radio Dabanga appeals to listeners throughout Darfur (and elsewhere in our reception area) not to touch any ‘unexploded’ grenades or other ammunition found in the field. Mark its position clearly to alert others, and report it immediately to a village elder, camp sheikh, Unamid and/or the local police. File photo: Unexploded ordnance (UXO) found in Darfur (Jan Joseph Stok) Related: West Darfur residents urge Unamid to defuse UXOs (30 September 2014)