WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The United Nations has determined that Sudan failed to implement its pledge to disarm the regime-aligned Janjaweed militia.

U.S. diplomats said the Janjaweed militia remains operating in Darfour despite a Sudanese pledge to eliminate the group. They said Janjaweed has been teamed with Sudanese military units in attacks on rebel units and their civilian supporters.

Officials said Janjaweed has joined Sudanese air force and ground units in attacks in southern Darfour. They said that despite Khartoum's pledge -- issued under the threat of sanctions by the UN Security Council -- to dismantle the militia, Janjaweed has been employed as a major element in Sudan's strategy to quell the rebellion and expel its supporters.

"We have to consider whether the sanctions that are in place are working or whether there are other steps the council should take, steps other than talking," U.S. envoy to the UN John Bolton said.