The United States on Saturday condemned recent attacks by government-backed mercenary fighters in Darfur, and urged the Sudan government to prevent further acts of violence. "We are deeply concerned by the recent escalation of violence by the Sudanese government-supported Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Darfur," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement, referring to a mercenary force of about 6,000 men fighting alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces.
"The United States strongly condemns attacks on civilians and calls upon the government of Sudan to prevent further violence," Psaki said. The Darfur militia, which has been used to back recent government military operations, is believed to be behind recent attacks including looting, the burning of villages and other violence against civilians in the Um Gunya area some 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the South Darfur state capital Nyala.