48 killed in Sudan violence

KHARTOUM - At least 48 people have been killed in clashes over the weekend between two rival tribal groups in western Sudan, Xinhua reported.

The fatalities occurred when members of the Misseriya and Rizeigat tribes clashed with each other in the Garsila area of western Darfur, Xinhua reported Saturday.

Rezeigat tribesmen came in nine vehicles and attacked Misseriya villages Friday, Misseriya tribal leaders said. The clashes were reportedly triggered by the killing of two members of Misseriya tribe early this year.

A spokesman for the UN-African Union peacekeeping mission said a team of peacekeepers was dispatched to the area Saturday, but they were denied access to the conflict area.

Darfur has been plagued by violence in recent years.