At least 500 killed in Sudan clashes; Army agrees to extend ceasefire

The Sudanese army announced late Wednesday that General "Abdel Fattah al-Burhan", the army chief, has agreed to a proposal to extend the ceasefire for "another 72 hours" and to send a military representative for negotiations to Juba, the capital of South Sudan. According to Reuters, the Sudanese army stated that the presidents of South Sudan, Kenya, and Djibouti participated in a proposal that includes "extending the ceasefire and negotiations between the two forces." The fiercest clashes occurred on Wednesday in "Omdurman," a city near Khartoum, where the army was battling the "Rapid Support Forces" from other regions of Sudan. Gunfire and heavy airstrikes were heard until nightfall. Since the war began on April 15, at least "512 people" have been killed due to air and artillery attacks, and nearly "4,200 people" have been injured, with many hospitals destroyed and food distribution in the country limited. The World Health Organization reported that only "16%" of health centers in Khartoum are operational and predicted that "more deaths" would occur due to disease and shortages of food, water, and medical services, including vaccinations. This crisis has sent an increasing number of refugees toward Sudan's borders. The UN refugee agency estimates that around "270,000 people" may seek refuge in South Sudan and Chad alone. These military clashes have occurred between the army and the militia known as the "Rapid Support Forces." The "Rapid Support Forces," formed from former Darfur militias, were supposed to integrate into the Sudanese army, but this process has led to bloody conflict. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo has been the deputy of General Burhan since the overthrow of Omar al-Bashir's regime, which held power for thirty years, and both played roles in the overthrow of the civilian government that came to power after General Bashir's rule. However, their rivalry has intensified in recent months. The U.S. government is working to ensure the safety of American citizens in Sudan; reports indicate that U.S. embassy staff have left Khartoum. The U.S. states that its personnel in Khartoum are safe. There is hope from the U.S. and the international community for the extension of the ceasefire in Sudan while being prepared for the evacuation of forces. The UN Secretary-General proposed a three-day ceasefire for Sudan on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. The White House stated that it is prepared to evacuate the embassy in Sudan in case of a crisis. Verification | Traces of the Russian Wagner Group in Sudan tensions. As the civil war in Sudan intensifies, U.S. embassy staff have left the country. As the civil war in Sudan escalates, foreigners are leaving the country.