Sudanese security forces say more than 160 killed in clashes with JEM rebels in Darfur

Officials: clashes in Darfur kill more than 160

KHARTOUM, Sudan — Officials say that clashes between Sudan’s army and Darfur’s most powerful rebel group have left more than 160 people dead.

Army spokesman Capt. Khalid al-Sawarmi said Saturday that government troops killed 108 fighters from the rebel Justice and Equality Movement in the Jebel Moon area of western Darfur a day earlier.

Sudan’s official SUNA news agency reported that government forces also battled JEM rebels near Nyala in south Darfur. SUNA quotes senior police official Dr. Mohamed Abdul Magid al-Tayeb as saying 27 police and 33 rebels were killed in those clashes.

JEM confirmed the south Darfur violence in a statement Saturday. The rebels broke off talks with the government on a permanent peace deal two weeks ago, accusing the military of conducting a new Darfur offensive.