Reuters. Over 60 dead in Darfur clashes

More than 60 people have been killed in clashes between tribes in Sudan's Darfur region over land producing the gum arabic stabiliser used in soft drinks, the latest incident in a surge in violence over resources this year.

The fluid gum cut from the acacia trees that have grown on the land for years is one of Sudan's most important agricultural export products but part of the output is being smuggled over the border into Chad, where it is sold for hard currency.

Arab tribes, many of which were armed by Khartoum to end an insurgency by mainly non-Arab rebels, have since turned their guns on themselves to seize resources such as the gum arabic, sought by companies such as Coca Cola, and gold.

New clashes broke out between the Bani Halba and al-Gimir tribes in Katila in South Darfur, state police said late on Wednesday. They have fought several times in the area this year.

"A total of 64 people were killed and tens wounded from both sides," police said in a statement, without giving details.