UN peacekeeper killed in Darfur

A UN peacekeeper was killed in Darfur on Wednesday, two days after the world court prosecutor sought an arrest warrant against Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir that sparked fears of retaliation.

"The joint African Union - United Nations peacekeeping mission in Darfur has received information that one of its peacekeepers has been killed in Forobaranga in West Darfur whilst on patrol," the force said in a statement.

An official speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP that the peacekeeper, whose nationality was not being disclosed until relatives had been informed, was killed at 4:45 pm (1345 GMT) on Wednesday.

The circumstances of the killing were not immediately clear.

It came with UN officials fearing a violent backlash after the International Criminal Court chief prosecutor on Monday seeking an arrest warrant against Beshir on 10 counts including war crimes and genocide in Darfur.

"Investigations are ongoing and further information will be made available. UNAMID condemns all acts of violence against its peacekeepers," the UN-led mission said.