Darfur rebels say eight civilians were killed by Sudanese warplanes

June 29, 2009 (PARIS) – Some eight civilian were killed by Sudanese warplanes in raid carried in North Darfur states during the week end, a rebel leader said yesterday.

Abdel Wahid Al-Nur, the founding leader of Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) said the bombing targeted Hashaba located at 70km west of the North Darfur state capital, El-Fasher at the midday on Sunday.

Al-Nur who refuses to join peace talks before ceasefire and protection of Darfur civilians, said tens of people have been wounded and hundreds of cattle have been killed.

The hybrid peacekeeping force in its daily briefing didn’t mention the attack. However, international sources Sudanese army planes left El Fasher airport of Saturday.

JEM rebels say the Sudanese military planes conduct daily raids in the region. The Sudanese army used to not report about attacks carried in the region.

The UN Security Council (UNSC) banned all offensive military flights over Darfur but it is believed that that Sudan routinely violates the embargo.

(ST)