Security forces and carjackers exchange heavy fire in S. Darfur’s Nyala
June 14, 2016 (NYALA) – On Monday night law enforcement forces in the capital of south Darfur state, Nyala, clashed with armed men who stole a vehicle belonging to a leading member of ruling National Congress Party (NCP) and attempted to flee the town in vain.
The joint security team forced the carjackers to surrender after heavy clashes, according to the security source.
The heavy clashes that lasted from more than 30 minutes caused panic among the resident of the city. But, the security official asserted that the regular forces are capable to curb the criminal gang activities.
“There are many outlaws who are still undermining the security situation after the significant stability in the state,” he said stressing that ”the law enforcement agencies are able to deal with any trouble despite the succession of security incidents since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan”.
In a separate security incident, five masked gunmen stormed “Al Madina” Pharmacy, which is at 200 meters from the premises of South Darfur government.
A pharmacist working in the pharmacy told Sudan Tribune that five armed men of whom 4 were in military uniform stormed the pharmacy and stole cash money and mobile phones before fleeing.
A number of residents have expressed concern over the return of the lawlessness situation which had prevailed in Nyala before imposing the emergency situation, pointing that the looting of a pharmacy in downtown is a serious indicator that the state could return to the previous situation.
Since July 2014, the governor of South Darfur Adam Mahmoud Jar al-Nabi, declared an indefinite emergency situation in the state, including a curfew from 7pm to 7am (local time) in Nyala.
The decision also banned riding of motorcycles by more than one person, holding weapons while wearing civilian clothes, vehicles driving around without license plates, and wearing a kadamool (a turban which covers the face).
(ST)