AU peackeepers overrun by rebels in Darfur

(AP Photo/Alfred de Montesquiou)

About 1,000 rebels from the Sudan Liberation Army attacked a small African Union base in northern Darfur and killed 10 peacekeepers. Several others were wounded and dozens were missing. The photo above shows AU peacekeepers abandoning the camp today.

The attack threatens key peace talks set for October to settle the conflict that has killed at least 200,000 people and displaced 2.5 million.

"This is the heaviest loss of life and the biggest attack on the African Union mission," said AU spokesman Noureddine Mezni. "Our troops fought a defensive battle to protect the camp, but 30 vehicles eventually stormed it. ... The camp is completely destroyed."

For the latest, read this report from Haskanita, Sudan, by Alfred de Montesquiou.

--Paul Chavez