afrol News, 12 February - United Nations has dispatched a multilateral humanitarian mission to assess the recent conflict involving the Sudanese army and allied militia in the North of El-Geneina, the capital of West Darfur.

Last week, government troops launched a major offensive aimed at regaining control of the towns [Abu Surouj, Sirba and Suleia] seized by the rebels. The towns are located in the stronghold of the Justice and Equality Movement rebel group.

The heavy fighting has claimed the lives of 200 people, with some burnt to the ground. Victims include a staff of the International Committee of Red Cross who was killed in unclear circumstances in the organisation' s offices in Suleia on 8 February.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the attacks in the strongest possible terms.

At least 12,000 Sudanese have fled across the border into Chad to escape the wrath of the Janjaweed militia.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its humanitarian partners have sent an emergency mission to Figeira, in the volatile eastern border region of Birak, Chad to assess the situation.

Between 4,000 and 6,000 Darfur Ian refugees have been living in Birak. A similar number is also seeking refugee close to the eastern town of Koruk.

Most of the refugees who crossed the Chadian border looked terrified and destitute. They gave accounts of how their homes have been burnt, looted and sealed by the militia.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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