Food program says raids hurt Darfur effort

KHARTOUM, Sudan, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Food distribution in Darfur would have to be suspended if security in Sudan doesn't improve, the U.N. World Food Program said Monday.

The organization said attacks on truck convoys in Darfur are taxing its ability to feed the more than 3 million people in need each month, the WFP said in a news release.

"Repeated and targeted attacks on food convoys are making it extraordinarily difficult and dangerous for us to feed hungry people," Monika Midel, the program's deputy representative in Sudan, said. "Should these attacks continue, the situation will become intolerable -- to the point that we will have to suspend operations in some areas of Darfur."

While U.N. agency recovered three hijacked trucks and four fleet staff Sunday after the latest attack in South Darfur, it said 69 trucks and 43 drivers remain missing. Since the beginning of 2008, more than 100 vehicles delivering food assistance have been hijacked in Darfur, with many more shot at and robbed.

Drivers are refusing to drive along certain routes, the organization said.