Violent clashes rage in conflict-torn Sudan

By Buhram Abdel-Men'em

KHARTOUM, Sudan (AA) - Fierce clashes erupted on Thursday between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group in the capital Khartoum, according to witnesses.

Sounds of explosions and heavy weapons were heard in south Khartoum, witnesses said. Billows of smoke were seen rising from the area.

Clashes were also reported in several areas in Omdurman city, west of Khartoum.

Military aircraft were seen flying in several areas in Bahri, north of Khartoum amid the deployment of army forces in the city.

There were no reports yet of casualties.

Sudan has been ravaged by clashes between the army and the RSF since April, in a conflict that killed nearly 3,000 civilians and injured thousands, according to local medics.

Several cease-fire agreements brokered by Saudi and US mediators between the warring rivals had failed to end violence in the country.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that nearly three million people have been displaced by the current conflict in Sudan.

Egypt is set to host a summit of Sudan’s neighboring countries on Thursday to discuss means of resolving the conflict there.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara