100 killed in tribal clashes in Sudan's Darfur

KHARTOUM - At least 100 people were killed in the latest clashes between Messiria and Salamat tribes in Sudan's Darfur region, official Sudan Radio reported Saturday.

"Clashes broke out between Messiria and Salamat tribes in Um Dokhon area in Central Darfur State, which resulted in the killing of around 100 people and injuring of dozens," the radio reported in its mobile news service.

The fighting ceased after local authorities and security forces intervened, the report said, noting that the authorities were conducting comprehensive listing for losses the clashes left.  

Meanwhile, Assudan Newspaper, an independent electronic newspaper, reported that some Chadian soldiers were also killed during the tribe clashes in Um Dokhon.

"Chadian soldiers, who were part of a joint Sudanese-Chadian patrol on the border, were killed during the battles between the two tribes in Darfur region," the paper quoted what it termed as " humanitarian source" as saying.

Up to now, the Sudanese army spokesman has made no comments on the clashes.

The tribal clashes in Darfur added another dimension to the armed conflict in the region which has been suffering from a civil war since 2003.

Two days ago, the United Nations warned against outbreak of tribal clashes between Messiria and Salamat in Central Darfur State, disclosing that it had received field reports showing that the two tribes were mobilizing their groups in areas of Um Dokhon, Bendasi and Mukjar in the state.

Clashes between the two tribes in last June and July have led to the death of at least 136 people. The UN said around 4,000 people have fled their homes due to the tension in Central Darfur State.