Violence erupts in Darfur near U.N. camp

NYALA, Sudan, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- Members of the African Union-U.N. mission in Darfur said weapons fire and aerial bombing have been taking place near one of their regional camps.

UNAMID staff said Wednesday's violence took place near the South Darfur town of Muhajeria, adding that Sudanese government troops have allegedly begun patrolling the area, the U.N. news service reported.

This week's violence marked the most recent occurrence in the ongoing conflict between government troops and militant forces. The conflict, which involves the Sudanese Liberation Army/Mini Minawi faction and the Justice and Equality Movement, began Jan. 15.

The acts of violence have forced scores of south Darfur residents to flee the Sudanese region, the U.N. news service said.

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has expressed concern for civilians living in and around Muhajeria during the renewed conflict.

The U.N. Integrated Regional Information Networks said Pilay has called on both sides of the conflict to allow humanitarian efforts to be conducted in the area.