Darfur - Two Sudanese men working for a French aid group in Darfur have been shot dead in an ambush, says the United Nations.

It happened in South Darfur on Saturday evening in an area of heavy fighting between government troops and rebels.

Reports say more than 20 bandits, riding camels and horses, opened fire when the aid workers drove past; they had earlier looted a truck on the road.

UN spokesman Kemal Saiki said four other civilians were wounded in the attack 80km (50 miles) from Nyala city.

The men worked for Aide Medicale Internationale.

Attacks on foreign aid groups in the region have increased recently.