Sudan: December 24, 2003

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NGOs (foreign aid groups) and rebel sources report more trouble in west Sudans Darfur region. The sources claimed the Sudanese government killed at least 24 people in a series of air strikes using Antonov transports carrying bombs, and attacks by pro-government militias. A Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) source said two Antonovs struck two villages in the Jebel Moon area of West Darfur and killed 18 people. 25 were wounded. There are other reports of civilians refugees fleeing into North Darfur State. It looks like a new government offensive is either gearing up or already in the works. These attacks are part of a government policy to drive Christian civilians out of areas desired by the Moslems of the north. In particular, the Moslems want the Christians out of any territory thought to contain oil.