Darfur Rebels Accuse Khartoum of Mounting Major Offensive

Darfur’s rebel Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) has accused the national government of launching a massive armed campaign against them in north Darfur. An SLA commander, Suleiman Marajan, says military troops in 270-vehicles staged a ground assault on two rebel stronghold in North Darfur state three days ago, killing eight civilians and nine SLA fighters. Marajan further claims that government forces and affiliated militias are preparing for deadlier attacks. The allegations of fresh attacks come a few weeks after Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir made a rare visit to Darfur after the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced its controversial intention to charge him for genocide against ethnic groups in the region. [PE]