Government convoy destroys battle evidence

Onlookers said that a government convoy of 60 cars arrived in Kolghe, East Jebel Marra, North Darfur, on Wednesday, 26 September. They told Radio Dabanga the convoy collected and destroyed all remnants of last week’s battle, including heavy weapons. Residents explained that the government forces were instructed to destroy everything they collected. This, they said, was to avoid rebels from seizing anything and to ensure that all evidence of the recent battle was destroyed. Sources added the convoy was supported by an Antonov airplane and two helicopters and that they heard about the government’s instructions through FM radio waves. Antonov and helicopters flying low Residents of East Jebel Marra confirmed seeing one Antonov airplane and two helicopters from the Sudanese air force flying over the area on Wednesday. Eye-witnesses told Radio Dabanga that both helicopters were hovering very low, especially above Konjarah, Korofola and north Kushina, for over eight hours, adding that some farms got damaged. The helicopters were backed by an Antonov airplane, which according to sources, was inspecting and surveying the area. They stressed this caused extreme panic among residents and farmers of the region.