KHARTOUM, Sudan – Sources close to a UN reconnaissance mission in Sudan say a major assault by the Sudanese army and allied militias left two Darfur towns badly damaged by fire.  The International Committee of the Red Cross has also confirmed the attack, and states that one of its Sudanese staff members was killed in the offensive.  Aid group MSF Switzerland has also confirmed the attack and said a small number of its staff has gone missing. 

The government forces attacked the western towns of Abu Surouj, Sirba and Suleisa on Friday in an effort to clear out fighters from the rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM).  A source close to the UN/AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) said that Abu Surouj and Sirba were “partially burned down.”  An investigation mission confirmed the Friday attacks and said helicopter gunships were seen and witnesses said they were attacked “by men riding on horseback accompanied by vehicles.”

Meanwhile, West Darfuris have been caught up in violent clashes between Sudan’s Armed Forces, insurgent groups, and the forces of neighboring Chad.  The UN High Commissioner for Refugees said on Monday that it is estimated that 12,000 people fled the milita attacks from Darfur into Chad, which is still recovering from an attempted coup last week.  Chad threatened to expel the refugees on Monday, saying their presence was threatening security. 

For more information, please see:

Reuters – U.N. says Darfur towns burned in government attacks – 12 February 2008

CNN.com – New wave of Darfur refugees flee into Chad – 12 February 2008