Rights group: Civilians killed in Sudan

KHARTOUM, Sudan, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Sudanese forces and government-backed militias this month have attacked more than a dozen villages, targeting rebel forces, Human Rights Watch said.

The group said in a statement that more than 40 civilians were killed in the operations.

Human Rights Watch said the dozens of civilian deaths show the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur lacks the capacity to protect villagers in Southern Sudan.

The group noted that while the deaths were occurring, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir told the media that life was "very normal in Darfur." He also announced a new peace initiative with in North Darfur.

"Once again, civilians are bearing the brunt of fighting in Darfur, and the peacekeepers cannot protect them," said Georgette Gagnon, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "Life in Darfur is far from 'normal.'"