Sudan violence along Chad border

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Sudanese government forces and rebels opposed to the recent Darfur peace agreement have reportedly clashed on the Chad-Sudan border.

Both Sudan's rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the army blame each other for initiating the violence which injured dozens of fighters.

At least 77 wounded were taken to a hospital in eastern Chad while rebels claim to have taken over 100 prisoners.

More than 200,000 Sudanese refugees live in camps near the border region.

This week's outbreak of fighting is just the latest example of how security is once again deteriorating in Darfur.

The fighting on Saturday is reported to have been very fierce. Humanitarian sources in Chad say the battle was fought near to the border town of Bahai.

Destabilisation

Aid workers, who have staff in Bahai, say smoke could be seen rising in the distance during the hostilities.

They also confirmed that 77 fighters were taken for treatment to a hospital in eastern Chad.

Both sides blame each other for starting the combat.

Sudan's justice and equality rebel movement, JEM, says it took 100 prisoners including a Sudanese army brigadier and also captured 70 vehicles.

The Sudanese army reportedly cannot confirm if their brigadier was captured, and say JEM rebels started the combat by attacking a government position.

The fact that Saturday's fighting took place along the Chad-Sudan border will worry observers.

Aid workers will be anxious that fighting from Darfur does not spill over into Chad.