A joint offensive is under way between Chadian forces and rebels in Sudan's region of Darfur, Sudanese diplomatic sources say.
A number of towns and villages in Western Darfur have been under attack from the combined force.
Sudan's government has complained to the UN Security Council, describing the Chadian attack as unprecedented.
Chad says its ground and air forces have attacked rebel targets along the border, but had not crossed into Sudan.
The offensive comes on the eve of the establishment of the joint UN-African Union force in Darfur.
UN pullout
The fighting in Western Darfur is described as ongoing and serious.
Officials, who asked not to be named, said Chadian armed forces and Darfur rebels of the Justice and Equality Movement were attacking towns and villages in the area of el-Geneina.
The UN has withdrawn humanitarian staff from two towns in the region.
The fighting began on Friday, with Chadian aircraft reportedly attacking targets inside Sudan.
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