Air strikes west of Shangil Tobaya, Darfur cause thousands to flee

Two attacking Antonov bombers and invading ground forces yesterday caused thousands to flee to the hills and valleys around North Darfur villages. More than 4 thousand people yesterday fled from the region of Abu Hamra, west of Shangil Tobaya in North Darfur.The ground forces consisted of more than 20 vehicles and local militias, according to one villager who fled from the region. He told Radio Dabanga that two Antonovs dropped a number of bombs on the region before the entry of government forces and local militias from the area Um Dereisaya. The source pointed out that a number of shells fell near a school during school hours.

The witness said that the troops had overrun about 10 villages, including Linda, Dabab, Hillat Tayar, Abdel Rahim, Hilleila and Afar. He added that the village of Linda was entirely burned.