12 killed in clashes between gunmen and drugs traders in East Darfur
December 12, 2105 (ED DAEIN) – Twelve people have been killed in clashes between gunmen and drug traffickers in Balbala area in the locality of Al-Fardous, East Darfur state.
According to the source, the traffickers immediately recognized the gunmen don’t belong to the regular forces, saying they ambushed them in Balbala area, 40 kilometers south of the locality of Al-Fardous.
He added that 12 gunmen were killed in the clashes and 3 others arrested, noting that one vehicle was destroyed and another seized while some gunmen managed to escape on the third vehicle.
The same sources said that a military force arrived at the ambush scene and found 12 dead bodies and 3 wounded, noting the drug traffickers have withdrawn after they recovered the 80 sacks of cannabis.
He said the 3 wounded gunmen were Saturday to the police station in East Darfur state capital, Ed Daein, pointing the vehicle which was destroyed was stolen from a tribal leader who have been killed last year while he was heading to the locality of Tulus in South Darfur state.
According to the source, the armed militias continued to attack and loot people, pointing they recently stole 80,000 Sudanese pounds (SDG) from a trader who was returning from Bahr Al-Arab market.
He added the gunmen also continued to pose as security forces and levy fees on citizens.
Drug trade is spread in the southern localities of East Darfur state due to its close proximity to areas where cannabis is grown such as Al-Radom and Sango in South Darfur state.
The director of the anti-drug department in South Darfur state had previously called for the need to use military aircrafts in the fight against drug traffickers following the death of several police officers in clashes with drug traders.
(ST)