Credible accounts from witnesses to the attacks indicate that Sudanese government forces committed serious laws-of-war violations during attacks in August, September, and October on populated areas around Deribat, Jawa, and Soni in the Jebel Marra region of Darfur. The attacks resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, mass displacement, and destruction of property. In the first week of November, government forces continued the attacks, targeting villages to the south of Soni, causing further destruction and displacement.

"The Sudanese government should not get away with attacking Darfur civilians again because everyone is paying attention to the referendum in the south," said Rona Peligal, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "The government needs to end these attacks immediately and let humanitarian agencies reach civilians who need the help, including people in rebel-held territories."