A Chinese peacekeeping unit in Sudan has been running defensive drills at a United Nations camp in the Abyei region, a disputed area on the border with South Sudan, as violent clashes between rival armed factions continue across the country. Some 270 people have been killed and 2,600 wounded in the fighting that erupted between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The two sides have been using tanks, artillery, fighter jets and other heavy weapons in the escalating conflict. In response to the crisis, the Chinese peacekeeping helicopter contingent at the base of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei carried out drills to rehearse for a scenario in which their camp comes under attack, including defensive preparations, medical evacuations and ensuring the airstrip at the base can remain operational.