Clashes with Darfur rebels reported near Sudan's capital


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News Article by AP posted on May 10, 2008 at 11:22:13: EST (-5 GMT)

Clashes with Darfur rebels reported near Sudan's capital

KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP) -- A leader of a Darfur rebel group says
hundreds of his fighters are on the outskirts of Sudan's capital,
clashing with security forces.

An Associated Press reporter in Khartoum said security forces
ordered residents to clear the streets Saturday.

Armored vehicles and heavily armed security forces were
patrolling the capital. Government forces also closed bridges
leading to Omdurman, Khartoum's twin city.

A leader of the Darfur rebel group Justice and Equality told The
Associated Press by telephone from the outskirts of Omdurman that
his fighters were clashing with security forces there.

Sudanese officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because
they were not authorized to speak to the media, confirmed clashes
near Khartoum.