Rebels overrun AU peacekeeper base in Darfur as violence intensifies

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Rebel forces stormed an African Union base in northern Darfur killing 10 peacekeepers from the beleaguered mission in an unprecedented attack that threatened key peace talks set for October. Several others were wounded and dozens were missing in action after the attack on the base in Haskanita just after sunset Saturday. AU officers told The Associated Press in Haskanita that a force of about 1,000 rebels from the Sudan Liberation Army had attacked the small AU base just after the fast-breaking meal during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The AU troops said they initially repelled the assailants. But the rebels eventually overran the camp around 4 a.m. on Sunday, peacekeepers said as they recovered from the fighting.