Darfur Conflict Heats Up -- Ethnic Cleansing Resumes

A fighter of the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) sits on top of a truck armed with rocket propelled grenades at Korma village, about 40 kms southeast of the north Darfur town of Kutum, in 2007. Darfur rebels on Wednesday accused the Sudan government of mounting a massive attack to wipe out their strongholds in the far north of Darfur where they are losing ground for the first time. (AFP/AMIS/File/Stuart Price)

Darfur Onslaught 'To Clear Way For Chinese Oil Hunt'
Say Rebels -- Times Online

A major offensive involving 300 Sudanese government battlewagons intended to clear space for Chinese oil exploration in Darfur's far north has begun, according to rebel commanders who have come under attack.

Oil companies have been waiting for the Government to secure the region before starting work on seismic surveys.

The claims of fresh fighting come after Omar al-Bashir, the Sudanese President, embarked on a two-day peace mission to Darfur last month, promising investment and inviting rebel leaders to talks.

His visit took place days after the International Criminal Court's prosecutor accused him of genocide, murder and crimes against humanity.

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More News On Darfur

Rebels say Sudan in new offensive in north Darfur -- Yahoo News/AP
Darfur rebels accuse Sudan of mounting major attack -- AFP
Sudan 'launches attack in Darfur' -- BBC News
Sudan: Darfur rebels say govt forces invade -- International Herald Tribune
Sudan launches major offensive in Darfur -- Telegraph
Darfur rebels accuse Sudanese army of launching attack -- ABC News.Net (Australia)
Sudan troops invade Darfur rebel areas -- The Age
Sudan army in 'Darfur operation' -- Al Jazeera
Rebels Describe New Government Attacks in Darfur -- Voice Of America
Sudan Launches Offensive in N. Darfur -- New York Sun

My Comment: With the Olympics and the Georgian war on the front pages of the news, the leaders of Sudan are hopeful that their war will be buried in the back pages.