Darfur violence threatens operations

KHARTOUM, Sudan, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- The head of the United Nations is warning that the ongoing violence in the Darfur region of Sudan is severely threatening vital humanitarian aid operations.

According to a report from U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the escalating violence in Darfur is threatening the safety of aid workers and hampering the ability of the U.N.-African Union peacekeeping mission to operate in the region, the United Nations reported.

Ban has called for the deployment of 26,000 troops from the international community to counter the increasing violence. Despite a widespread recognition of the dire situation in Darfur, the number of troops committed to the region is less than 12,500. Additionally the peacekeeping operations are increasingly challenged by the lack of helicopter support and other equipment required for operations.

In the report Ban also calls for an immediate cease-fire from both rebel factions and government forces.

"I am greatly disappointed that military activity by the government continues," Ban said in a statement.

"The cessation of hostilities is also required to facilitate delivery of vital humanitarian assistance. I am deeply concerned that insecurity continues to seriously affect civilians and hamper the humanitarian community's efforts to provide them with life-saving assistance."