A Sudanese government air strike on a school in Darfur has killed at least seven children, according to the aid organisation Darfur Diaries.

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A rebel group says there were four air raids in total in North Darfur.

The Sudanese air force has made no comment. Under a UN resolution, all offensive flying is banned in Sudan.

Since the conflict began in Darfur five years ago, the UN estimates that some 300,000 have died and two million have been displaced.

The joint UN-African Union peacekeeping force of 26,000 has yet to be completely deployed to Darfur, and officials say it is unlikely to be up to full strength this year.

'Surveying'

Shegeg Karo's primary school was bombed as the pupils sat in classes on Sunday afternoon, according to Darfur Diaries, one of the organisations that funds the school.

Darfur Diaries spokeswoman Jen Marlowe said the youngest victim was five years old.

Two more children were seriously hurt, another 30 received minor injuries and one classroom was completely destroyed, she said.

Twenty shops were destroyed in the market bombing, she added.

Eyewitnesses told Ms Marlowe that an Antonov aircraft flew above the village for a long time before attacking.

A spokesman for the rebel Justice and Equality Movement said the attacks in North Darfur started early on Sunday and went on throughout the day.

He accused the government of returning to indiscriminate attacks.

The UN and African Union Mission to Darfur said it was investigating reports of the attacks.

(BBC)

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