February 3, 2012
A Bible school backed by the American ministry Samaritan's Purse was destroyed in the latest bomb attack to hit Sudan's South Kordofan state, CNN reports. On Feb. 2, Heiban Bible College's first day of classes, at least eight bombs were dropped in the area, destroying two of the school's buildings and starting fires. No injuries were reported. Franklin Graham, president and CEO of Samaritan's Purse, blamed Sudan's air force for the strike, and called on the international community to establish a no-fly zone in the region. "We are deeply concerned for the welfare and lives of the people of South Kordofan, and we condemn the bombing of ... Christian facilities," he said. At least four churches in the area have also been destroyed in recent months, and more than 78,000 people have fled South Kordofan and the neighboring Blue Nile state since clashes between Sudan's government and an armed rebellion broke out in August.