Heavy gunfire and blasts were reported in Sudan’s capital Khartoum following days of tension between the armed forces and a powerful paramilitary group.
According to the army, the conflict began when Rapid Support Forces paramilitary fighters attacked its General Command, although the RSF says it was attacked first.
The RSF has claimed to be in control of the Republican Palace, the seat of the country’s presidency, as well as Khartoum International Airport.
However, the military says it still controls all bases and airports.
Tensions stem from a disagreement over how RSF should be integrated into the military.
“The Rapid Support Forces were surprised on Saturday with a large force from the army entering camps in Soba in Khartoum and laying siege to paramilitaries there,” the RSF said.
RSF added that the army “launched a sweeping attack with all kinds of heavy and light weapons”.
The army accused RSF fighters of trying to seize the military headquarters.
“Fighters from the Rapid Support Forces attacked several army camps in Khartoum and elsewhere around Sudan,” Nabil Abdallah, army spokesman, said.
“Clashes are ongoing and the army is carrying out its duty to safeguard the country.”
There are disagreements over how the RSF should be integrated into the military and what authority should oversee the process.
The move is part of Sudan’s transition to a civilian-led government.
