CAIRO Ñ The Sudanese military has resumed air attacks on relief centers in the war-torn south.

International relief officials said a Sudanese military helicopter launched five anti-tank rockets toward a United Nations food distribution point in the southern town of Bieh on Wednesday. The officials said 17 people were killed in the attack, which took place as thousands of civilians were lining up for food.

Wednesday's attack was the second in less than two weeks. Sudan, which apologized for an attack on Feb. 10, has not yet acknowledged the second air strike.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance protested the Sudanese attack. Officials said the food distribution had been coordinated with the Sudanese military.

The United States has confirmed that Sudan has resumed air attacks on relief centers. The Sudanese attacks are said to be a key obstacle to efforts to normalize relations between Khartoum and Washington.

"Until we receive a full and complete response from the government of Sudan, the United States is suspending all discussions with Khartoum about the peace process," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said on Thursday. "These attacks raise serious questions about the Sudanese government's commitment to peace and the lives of its people."

The Sudanese People's Liberation Army confirmed the latest Sudanese air attack. The SPLA has confirmed that a ceasefire reached in the Nuba mountains has led to a halt in much of the fighting.

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