Clashes in Sudan Continue Despite Ceasefire Extension; Turkish Plane Targeted

Despite a fragile 72-hour ceasefire extension between the warring parties in Sudan's civil war, Khartoum, the capital, and the nearby city of Omdurman were scenes of heavy explosions and continuous gunfire on Friday. In Khartoum, the main clashes occurred in the affluent neighborhood of 'Kafouri' and adjacent areas near the army headquarters, the presidential palace, and Khartoum International Airport. In Omdurman, on the other side of the Nile, reports indicated ongoing 'continuous explosions' in the 'Karari' area. Attack on Turkish Plane The Turkish Ministry of Defense confirmed in a statement that a C-130 aircraft, designated for evacuating its citizens from Sudan, was targeted by gunfire. According to the statement, the aircraft landed safely, and no harm came to its crew. The Sudanese army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, identified the 'Rapid Support Forces' commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo as responsible for the shooting, but this group denied the army's accusation in a statement and reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire. Over the past two weeks, more than 500 Sudanese civilians and military personnel have lost their lives due to deadly clashes between the army and the 'Rapid Support Forces,' with over 4,200 others injured. During this time, African and Arab countries, the United Nations, and the United States have pressured both sides to resolve the crisis through dialogue. As a result of this pressure, temporary ceasefire agreements have been signed between the two parties, but clashes continue. Other countries have evacuated thousands of their citizens by air, land, and sea, and tens of thousands of Sudanese have sought refuge in safer areas of their country. The bloody clashes in Sudan began on Saturday, April 15, between the army and the militia known as the 'Rapid Support Forces.' The 'Rapid Support Forces,' formed from former Darfur militants, were supposed to integrate into the Sudanese army, but this process led to bloody conflict. The ceasefire has been extended for three days in Sudan. The fragile ceasefire extension in Sudan has been welcomed by the US and the UN. At least 500 killed in Sudan clashes; the army agreed to extend the ceasefire. As the civil war in Sudan intensifies, US embassy staff have left the country. As the civil war in Sudan escalates, foreigners are leaving the country. Guterres called for a 'three-day Eid al-Fitr ceasefire' in Sudan. The Sudanese army's protesting commanders agreed to a 24-hour ceasefire. A Saudi plane was targeted at Khartoum airport.