NGO to release Sudan scorched earth findings

Global human rights organisation Amnesty International is planning to launch a report and release satellite imagery detailing scorched earth tactics used by Sudanese military forces. The report, titled, "We had no time to bury them": War crimes in Sudan’s Blue Nile State, summarises the non-governmental organisation's findings in rebel-controlled areas of Blue Nile state, Sudan, and refugee camps in Maban County, South Sudan. In a statement, the NGO said it had evidence of the "deliberate targeting of civilians in what appears to be a concerted strategy by the Sudanese government to clear the population out of rebel-held areas." Amnesty International researchers say they spoke to dozens of civilians who described aerial bombardments and brutal ground attacks by Sudanese military forces that destroyed entire villages, left many dead and injured, and forced tens of thousands to flee. Sudanese army and civilian officials strongly deny the allegations, and have instead accused the rebels of using civilians as human shields and as pawns to win international sympathy. Around 150,000 people from Blue Nile state now languish in refugee camps.