Explosions rock Sudan capital amid tension between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)

Heavy gunfire and blasts were reported in Sudan’s capital Khartoum following days of tension between the armed forces and a powerful paramilitary group.Shooting and blasts took place in the vicinity of Sudan’s army headquarters, the defence ministry, and the airport in Khartoum.

RSF’s General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo has accused the army of carrying out a coup, adding that the current battle will pave the way to a peaceful solution and all criminals will stand trials.

Sudanese army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has told Al Jazeera in a recorded phone call that the army is in control of the presidential palace, the military headquarters and the airport.

Burhan’s comments followed a live phone interview Al Jazeera aired with the RSF commander, who said his forces had seized the presidential palace, the army chief’s residence and Khartoum international airport.

The spokesman for the Sudanese armed forces has said in an interview on the Al Jazeera Mubasher television station that the army would respond to any “irresponsible” actions, as its forces clash with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in several parts of the capital Khartoum and the country.

Brigadier-General Nabil Abdallah said in the interview that some politicians had been trying to politicise the military. He also said that RSF troops had a heavy presence at the headquarters of the state television station.