AU accuses Sudan forces of attacking civilians in Darfur

KHARTOUM (AFP) — The African Union Mission in Sudan has accused government forces and Arab militias of launching joint attacks on villages and refugee camps in Darfur, in which at least 44 civilians were killed.

These include an attack Wednesday on the Aro Sharow refugee camp in which the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said 34 people died.

"A number of coordinated offensive operations have been undertaken by the GOS (government of Sudan) and the Janjaweed Arab militia," Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe told journalists in Khartoum on Saturday.

Coordinated attacks on a number of villages in North Darfur on September 18 "resulted in the death of 12 civilians, five seriously wounded and the displacement of about 400 civilians.

"Heavy and small weapons mounted on vehicles were reportedly used by GOS, in close coordination with about 300 Janjaweed Arab militia," Kingibe said.

Separately, "some reportedly 400 Janjaweed Arab militia on ...