19 killed in Sudan ethnic clashes: Tribesmen
Sudanese tribesmen say deadly clashes between two ethnic groups in the country’s western region have claimed the lives of nearly 20 people.
Leaders of Zayadiya and Berti ethnic groups said on Friday that the clashes had taken place around the Mallit area, north of the city of Al Fashir, the capital of the western North Darfur State.
Witnesses say about 20 bodies were seen after the clashes.
It is not clear which side initiated the deadly fighting.
The Berti ethnic group also said 13 of its men were killed in the fighting, while the Zayadiya said it had lost six.
The Zayadiya’s chief, Abdallah Jezu, said the Berti tribe had started the fighting by entering their areas on Land Cruisers.
"This was yesterday, Thursday… and today they renewed the attack again," Jezu added.
However, Berti leader, Al-Mak Ahmedaye, said his people came under attack first, on Tuesday. He claimed the Zayadiya also burned down a number of their villages.
Both sides claimed they were attacked with heavy weapons.
Although neither side provided details as to what caused the clashes, fighting usually breaks out between ethnic tribes in Darfur over land disputes and natural resources.
At least 300,000 people have been killed since violence broke out in Sudan’s western region in 2003, after ethnic rebels rose against the government in protest against marginalization.
SZH/HMV/SS
UN chief says attacks against civilians in Sudan could constitute ‘war crimes’
Aid groups warn of looming famine in Sudan
El-Fasher clashes raise concerns of expanding conflict in Sudan’s Darfur
US forces smuggle stolen Syrian oil into bases in Iraq: Report
VIDEO | Press TV's news headline
Situation normal after air defenses fire at 'suspicious objects' in Iran
‘Iran retaliation against Israel ensured no aggression would go unanswered’
US vetoes Palestinian request for full UN membership
Iran sufficed to strike only part of Israel’s military positions: FM to UN chief
IRGC: Israel’s Dimona nuclear reactor not among Op. True Promise’s targets
VIDEO | West Asia awakens
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
