32 killed in attacks in the Abyei region, which is disputed between Sudan and South Sudan

By EMMANUEL IGUNZA
Associated Press

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Heavy fighting in a disputed region claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan has killed at least 32 people, according to a regional official. Local media reported that the civilians died when unknown gunmen attacked two villages in the southern part of the Abyei administrative region. Abyei information minister Bolis Kuoch said 32 people including women and children were killed and 20 others wounded, “but the clashes have now stopped and the situation calmed down.” Kuoch initially reported that a U.N. peacekeeper was among the dead. But the U.N issued a statement on Monday saying that none of its peacekeepers died in Sunday’s hostilities.