El Fasher, 17 May 2009 – The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) today condemned an attack by armed elements against a Sudanese military position in North Darfur.

Armed elements, allegedly part of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), yesterday carried out a three-hour attack on the Sudanese army position in Kornoi, a town in the far west of North Darfur state, and are apparently in control of the area.

Several dozen soldiers who survived the attack retreated towards the towns of Um Baru and Tina, east and west of Kornoi respectively. In Um Baru the soldiers asked UNAMID peacekeepers based there for humanitarian assistance, including water and medical care for the wounded, which was provided.

UNAMID forces in the area are monitoring the situation, but so far there is no confirmation of the identity of the attackers or their numbers. No casualty toll has been confirmed.

The far west of North Darfur state has been the scene of recent deadly clashes between JEM and the Sudan Liberation Army/Minni Minawi (SLA/MM) faction.

Speaking on behalf of the Mission, Joint Special Representative Rodolphe Adada condemned yesterday’s attack, as he does any act of violence.

“I call on all the parties to the Darfur conflict to refrain from the use of violence, to seek a peaceful resolution to their problems, notably through the Doha process, and to work towards a cessation of hostilities,” Mr. Adada said.