CAIRO — Sudan has launched
a new military offensive in the war-torn Darfour region despite increasing international pressure.
The Sudanese military began a ground attack on rebel groups in northern
Darfour. The attack has focused on Wadi Atron near the Libyan border.
"They attacked our areas in Wadi Atron with a massive force," Sudan
Liberation Army spokesman Al Sayid Sharif said. "We consider this a new
declaration of war."
Rebel sources said the Sudanese offensive began on Aug. 12 with more
than 200 armored vehicles. They said the military seized border areas long
under rebel control.
Sudan has acknowledged the offensive. The military, however, refused to
elaborate.
Rebel groups said Khartoum's military campaign appeared to mark an
effort to alter the balance of power in Darfour. They said the military
wanted to block the flow of weapons and other aid to rebels by neighboring
Libya.
In 2008, Sudan was said to have received 12 MiG-29 fighter-jets from
Russia. Moscow has denied the reported transfer.
