United Nations - A new UN report says more than 3 000 villages were destroyed in Darfur during targeted attacks on civilians early last year as hundreds of thousands of people fled the escalating violence.
The panel of experts report circulated Friday found multiple arms embargo and sanctions violations by Sudan's government in the chaotic western region. Violations included using ammunition manufactured in Khartoum and an armored personnel carrier.
The UN presence in Sudan is increasingly fragile. President Omar al-Bashir recently ordered the expulsion of top UN officials and called for an exit strategy for the joint UN-African Union peacekeeping force in Darfur.
Fighting in Darfur erupted in 2003, when rebels took up arms against the government, accusing it of discrimination and neglect. More than 400 000 people were displaced last year.
Sapa-AP