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24 May 2009 The hybrid African Union-United
Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) has condemned heavy
fighting in and around the town of Umm Baru which left
over 50 people injured and forced hundreds to flee
their homes.
According to a news release issued by the Mission,
Sudanese Government forces clashed with armed elements
of the rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) for
several hours yesterday in the town, which is located
about 100 kilometres from the Chadian border in the
far west of North Darfur state.
Explosions were also reported in the area after
Government planes flew overhead last night, the
Mission added.
UNAMID peacekeepers based at a camp near Umm Baru
report that at least 53 people have been seriously
injured and need evacuation for further medical
treatment. The casualties include civilians,
Government soldiers and JEM members.
About 350 civilians - mainly women, children and
the elderly - and 100 unarmed Sudanese soldiers and
members of the Sudan Liberation Army/Minni Minnawi (SLA/MM),
a pro-Government faction, are currently taking refuge
near the UNAMID camp.
The Mission stressed that urgent humanitarian aid,
particularly food, water, medical supplies and tents,
is needed to help civilians displaced by the fighting.
UNAMID has treated some of the wounded, and is on
standby to evacuate those needing further medical
care.
UNAMID chief Rodolphe Adada condemned yesterday's
fighting, and urged all parties to the Darfur conflict
to seek a peaceful resolution to their differences.
Yesterday's clashes follow an incident earlier this
month in which JEM armed elements attacked Sudanese
Government forces based near the town of Kornoi,
located between Umm Baru and the Chadian border.
An estimated 300,000 people have been killed and
another 2.7 million forced from their homes in more
than five years of fighting in Darfur, pitting rebels
against Government forces and allied Janjaweed
militiamen.
EsinIslam.Com
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