Key events
Russia’s embassy in Sudan, meanwhile, has said it is concerned by an “escalation of violence” in the country and called for a ceasefire and negotiations.
According to the state-owned Russian news agency RIA, the embassy said the atmosphere in the capital Khartoum was tense but Russian diplomats were safe.
UK embassy in Sudan warns citizens to stay indoors
Britain’s embassy in Sudan is urging its nationals there to remain indoors and said it is closely monitoring the situation after paramilitaries said they had taken control of the presidential palace and other sites.
We are closely monitoring the situation in Khartoum and other parts of Sudan where there are ongoing military clashes.
We advise all British Nationals in Sudan to remain indoors and follow our travel advice for more updates.
Fighting in Sudan intensifies with heavy gunfire heard
Heavy gunfire was heard in the capital of Sudan, Khartoum, earlier today as clashes erupt between the Sudanese army and its paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The RSF said it had taken control of the presidential palace, the residence of the army chief and Khartoum international airport.
BBC footage shows military planes flying over the city while smoke has been seen rising from buildings near the airport.
A Reuters witness said they saw armoured vehicles deployed in streets, and heard the sound of heavy weaponry in the vicinity of the headquarters of the army and the RSF.
The conflict follows days of tension between the army and the powerful RSF, which raised concerns about a confrontation.
The rift between the forces came to the surface on Thursday, when the army said recent movements by the RSF had been made without coordination and were illegal.
A statement by the RSF on Saturday called the army’s actions a “brute assault” and called for it to be condemned. It said the RSF had been in contact with local and international mediators to inform them.
A confrontation between the two forces could bring prolonged strife across a vast country already dealing with economic breakdown and flare-ups of tribal violence.
We’ll bring you live updates on a rapidly developing situation.
#Fighter #jets #Khartoum #fighting #Sudans #capital #intensifies #live #Sudan
