A power struggle between Sudan’s army and a notorious paramilitary force has rocked the capital, Khartoum, with at least three civilians confirmed dead.
Residents dodged gunfire as rival forces battled over the presidential palace, state TV and army headquarters.
The clashes erupted after tensions over a proposed transition to civilian rule.
The army says jets are hitting bases of its opponents, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Both sides say they control the airport and other key sites.
Battles were also reported elsewhere in the country, including cities in the Darfur region.
The fighting is between army units loyal to the de facto leader, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by Sudan’s deputy leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
Gen Dagalo said his troops would keep on fighting until all army bases were captured.
People were filmed running away and taking cover as black smoke rose over Khartoum and the unrest continued.
A Reuters journalist said there were armoured vehicles in the streets, while video showed a civilian plane ablaze at Khartoum airport. Saudi airline Saudia said one of its Airbuses came under fire.
Saudia and EgyptAir have suspended flights to Khartoum and neighbouring Chad has closed its border with Sudan.
“Shooting is still ongoing and people are staying indoors – there is so much panic and fear,” an eyewitness told the BBC via her Kenya-based sister.
Residents had not been expecting the clashes, she said, and many had been caught in transit. with bridges and roads closed and many schools in lockdown.
