Amnesty: imported arms fueling Darfur conflict

NEW YORK — Amnesty International says weapons from China, Russia and Belarus are fueling the nine-year-old conflict in Sudan's Darfur region.

A report released late Wednesday by the rights group says arms manufactured and supplied from the three countries — "or evidence of their use" — have been found in Darfur and other conflict areas near the border with newly independent South Sudan.

The report documents how China, Russia and Belarus continue to supply weapons and munitions to Sudan despite evidence the arms will be used against civilians in Darfur. It says exports include ammunition, helicopter gunships, attack aircrafts, air-to-ground rockets and armored vehicles.

Amnesty says the report highlights the need for U.N. control over the arms flow.