UN condemns Sudanese air raid on South Sudan

Sudan’s attack on a border area in South Sudan on Monday was condemned by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Ban called on the Sudanese government to cease all hostility after bombs were dropped by Sudanese warplanes near the town of Bentiu in South Sudan on Monday.

There could be no military solution according to Ban for the growing conflict while Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir dismissed discussions with South Sudan shortly before the attacks.

This dismissal was announced while Bashir was speaking during a visit to the town of Heglig which had been occupied by South Sudanese troops for nearly two weeks.

Sudan said that the troops had been expelled resulting in the death of 1,000 soldiers while South Sudan said their forces had been withdrawn from Heglig.

Fear of a war has been increasing as sporadic fighting in the oil-rich areas along the unmarked border.

Ban called on the leaders of Sudan – Bashir - and South Sudan - President Salva Kiir- to refrain from further confrontation and urgently resume discussions.