Attack on IAS team in Darfur

For more information :
Desiree Lyckelind,
Senior Administrator.

PRESS RELEASE

Attack on IAS team in Darfur

On Thursday afternoon 1st September 2005, International Aid Services (IAS), Tearfund and FAR traveled in a seven vehicle convoy on the road from Kongo Harasa to El Geneina, western Darfur. On the road between Kongo Harasa and Masteri, they were attacked by a rebel group. The whole team were severely beaten up and harassed by the perpetrators. Several items and personal belongings were taken from the staff and the vehicles during the raid.
The team was released after a while and was able to make it back to El Geneina, where they were all taken to hospital and examined by doctors. No confirmation has yet been given on what physical damage was caused to the women participating in the convoy.

IAS is offering our most sincere condolences to the staff and their families affected by this senseless and brutal act. IAS is strongly condemning these violent acts against humanitarian workers and the people of Darfur.

Within only a month time, IAS has managed to escape one attempt to an attack in the area and this was the second attack carried out on IAS staff in Western Darfur. IAS does not find this acceptable and the violence against civilians must come to an end.

International Aid Services (IAS) is a relief and development organisation. The organisation has independant registrations in Denmark, Germany, Norway and Sweden. Each IAS European Headquarters has its own board and a partnership agreement is signed between them. The role of the partnership agreement is to combine the different country’s goals and vision to assist people in need.