UNITED NATIONS -- The UN's top official in Sudan's Darfur on Thursday expressed grave concern at continued attacks against UN and humanitarian personnel working in the region.
Ibrahim Gambari, the head of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), made the remarks while he briefed the Security Council on the latest developments in Darfur.
Most recently, a UNAMID military patrol had been attacked in South Darfur on May 7, resulting in the deaths of two Egyptian peacekeepers and serious injuries to three others, he said.
Citing other examples, he said three staff members of the international non-governmental organization Samaritan's Purse had been abducted in Abu Ajura on May 18.
He said he had issued firm instructions to UNAMID troops and police to respond more robustly to such attacks, which constituted war crimes.