Sudan turmoil live: 39 hospitals bombed out of service

Passengers could be seen taking shelter at Khartoum international airport, as clashes erupted at the facility between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The Sudanese air force struck multiple paramilitary bases in Khartoum on Saturday, as fighting raged on the streets of the capital between the rival security forces.

"The Sudanese air force destroyed Tiba and Soba camps (in Khartoum) which belong to the Rapid Support (Forces) militia," it said in a statement.

It added that the regular army was chasing down RSF fighters and urged civilians to stay indoors.

Sudan's powerful paramilitary group, the RSF, say they have seized control over the presidential palace, the army chief's residence and the airport in Khartoum, following clashes with the military.

The RSF said it had also taken over two other airports, in the northern city of Merowe and El-Obeid in the south.

Middle East Eye could not independently verify the RSF’s claims.

For its part, the army has denied the reports and says it still controls all bases and airports.

Russia’s embassy in Sudan says it was concerned by an “escalation of violence” in the country and called for a ceasefire and negotiations, the state-owned Russian news agency RIA reported.

The embassy said the atmosphere in the capital Khartoum was tense but Russian diplomats were safe.

The United States Ambassador to Sudan, John Godfrey, said he was sheltering with his team amid “deeply disturbing” sounds of gunfire.

“Escalation of tensions within the military component to direct fighting is extremely dangerous. I urgently call on senior military leaders to stop the fighting,” he tweeted.

Columns of smoke have emanated from various places in the city and soldiers have been deployed on the streets.

Hello MEE readers.

Gunfire and explosions have been heard in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, after days of tension between the country's army and a notorious paramilitary force.

Columns of smoke emanated from various places in the city and soldiers were deployed on the streets. Civilians were seen running for cover as artillery exchanges and heavy gunfire could be heard.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) said its forces were able to take control of Khartoum airport on Saturday and a military base in Merowe, in response to alleged army attacks on its bases.

Middle East Eye could not independently verify the RSF’s claims.

For its part, the army has said that RSF fighters are trying to seize the military headquarters.

The tensions stem from a disagreement over how the RSF should be integrated into the military and what authority should oversee the process.

The merger is a key condition of Sudan’s unsigned transition agreement.

Stay with Middle East Eye's live blog for all the latest details. And for those catching up, here's a story with the latest:

Sudan: Explosions and heavy gunfire heard in Khartoum