Sudan's military conducted air strikes on a paramilitary force's base in the capital on Sunday to retake control of the country following hostilities that killed hundreds of fighters and at least 56 civilians.

According to eyewitnesses, the army attacked a facility of the government's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) facility in Omdurman, which borders the capital Khartoum, late Saturday.

PHOTO | COURTESY Over 56 people killed in Sudan

As political factions discuss the creation of a temporary government after a military coup in 2021, the RSF and the military, which analysts estimate to be 100,000 strong, have been fighting for power.

According to witnesses, heavy artillery fire was heard over Khartoum, Omdurman, and neighbouring Bahri in the early hours of Sunday morning. Gunfire was also heard at Port Sudan, a Red Sea city with no previous reports of fighting.

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According to the report, hundreds of military personnel were also killed, which did not provide a precise figure due to a lack of personal data from many hospitals where those injured were treated.

Scores of military people were also slain, according to the report, which did not provide an exact number due to a lack of firsthand information from many of the hospitals where those wounded were treated.

PHOTO | COURTESY Sudan clashes


The group alleged killings occurred at Khartoum's airport and Omdurman. Other cities include the western cities of Nyala, El Obeid, and El Fasher.

The RSF claimed to have control of the presidential palace, the army chief's residence, the state television station, and airports in Khartoum, Merowe, El Fasher, and West Darfur state. The army refuted those claims.

The Sudanese air force advised citizens to stay home as it conducted an aerial survey of RSF operations. Khartoum state proclaimed a holiday on Sunday, closing schools, banks, and government offices.

Gunfire and explosions could be heard around the capital. TV pictures showed smoke rising from numerous neighbourhoods, and social media videos showed military jets flying low over the city, one of which appeared to fire a missile.

PHOTO | COURTESY over 56 people killed in Sudan

A Reuters journalist witnessed cannons and armoured vehicles on the streets and heard heavy weapon fire near the army and RSF headquarters.

General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Sudan's army commander, told Al Jazeera TV that the RSF should back down, adding that if they are wise, they will withdraw their troops from Khartoum. However, if this continues, we must send soldiers from other regions into Khartoum.