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Three peacekeepers killed in West Darfur – UNAMID
Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010June 21, 2010 (KHARTOUM) – The African Union – United Nations peacekeeping mission Monday lost more three Rwandan soldiers killed during an attack against its troops based in West Darfur, the UNAMID reported.
Last month, two Egyptian soldiers were killed in South Darfur when a convoy with three vehicles and 20 military personnel was ambushed near Katila village, 85km south of Edd al Fursan.
The three peacekeepers were in charge of the protection of civilian engineers building a UNAMID site near the village of Nertiti, in the Jebel Marra region when they “came suddenly under heavy gunfire at approximately 11:30 hrs, from more than 20 assailants in camouflage battle dress”.
The armed men wounded gravelly a peacekeeper and stole a vehicle, the UNAMID said.
In a bid to stop the growing violence against its members, the UNAMID chief, Ibrahim Gambari instructed his troops to vigorously repel any attack.
Following a fierce exchange of fire that lasted one hour the peacekeepers killed three assailants, the UNAMID said in its statement.
Monday’s assault brings to 27 the total number of peacekeepers killed in western Sudan since January 2008.
UNAMID condemned the assault and urged “all parties” to ensure the safety of its members in the restive region. It also reminded that any attack against peacekeepers is considered a war crime.
Last December following the killing of five Rwandan peacekeepers in North Darfur, Kigali accused Khartoum of the murder saying there was no rebel activity in the area adding its soldiers had been “killed and injured by the government forces”.
(ST)
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