JUBA, Sudan — Armed men burned and looted the flashpoint town of Abyei yesterday after days of violence involving northern and southern troops in the disputed region.

Southern Sudan’s military said it would defend its territory, while an Arab herdsman said his tribe is in Abyei to stay, an indication Sudan’s peace could crumble before the south’s July independence.

Violence flared late last week in Abyei, a no man’s land between north and south Sudan. Southern Sudan voted in January to secede from the north, and the region becomes an independent country on July 9. But violence in Abyei is overshadowing the march toward independence.

The UN mission in Sudan said armed elements were burning and looting in Abyei and said the northern Sudanese Armed Forces must fulfill their responsibility to intervene.

In photos provided by the United Nations, the town appeared deserted except for what appeared to be looters. Some huts appeared to be ablaze; smoke billowed from others. Looters were seen roaming the streets, carrying rifles. Some carried suitcases.

Both north and south claim Abyei, a fertile region near several large oil fields, and its disputed status has long been recognized as a potential trigger for violence. The ethnic African tribe of the Ngok Dinka and the Arab tribe of Misseriah both lay claim to the area.

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