26 killed in Sudan, 'clashes between army and militia'

KHARTOUM - A Sudanese soldier and 25 militiamen were killed in clashes taking place in Tabet and Tikmari to the north of Darfur province, Sudanese Army said Wednesday.

At the time that the militia is saying that it brought down a military chopper, army Spokesman Al-Sawarimi Saad said that the forces were "actively" engaged in the combat and that one of the helicopters were forced into landing near AL-Fashir airport due to "technical error." The crew is safe, he said, adding that four vehicles belonging to the rebels were seized and six others were destroyed in the first combat between the two sides taking place at seven o'clock in the morning at the Tabet area.

Rebels fled to Tikmari after 16 members were killed on the hands of the army and many were injured, he said, adding that the armed forces followed militia men to Tikmari and managed to kill nine leaders among them Abdulrahman Tarjok and Ishaaq Kiji and destroy five armed vehicles.

Darfur was witnessing constant clashes in the past two months between major rebellious movements led by the President of Sudan Liberation Movement Minni Minnawi and the army.