Darfur refugees flee air attacks

The UN refugee agency said today it was rushing aid to hundreds of Darfur women and children who survived a 125-mile journey to safety after their town was attacked by planes and helicopters.

The 1,500 Darfuri refugees made the gruelling journey out of the conflict-ravaged Sudanese province by foot and donkey, but are struggling to find food and shelter since arriving in neighbouring Central African Republic, said Jennifer Pagonis, spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.