Sudanese sources said that the security authorities closed yesterday, the airspace of Khartoum Airport, and prevented the take-off or landing of any plane, after heavy shooting by the Sudanese Intelligence Service in the Kfoury and Riyadh areas near the airport, which led to bullets falling on the runway.

The sources said that the authorities' closure of Khartoum airport came as a precaution for fear of air accidents as a result of heavy air fire, according to the Sudanese newspaper, Al-Mashhad.

The Sudanese General Intelligence Service reported that the shooting that took place in the capital, Khartoum, yesterday, was carried out by a group of employees of the "Operations Authority" of the agency, in protest against the after-service award.

A spokesman for the agency said in a statement transmitted by local Sudanese media, that "within the framework of the structure of the agency and the resulting merging and demobilization, according to the options presented to employees of the Operations Authority, a group of them objected to the value of the financial reward and after-service benefits."

According to local data, the military operations arm of the security apparatus during the regime of ousted President Omar al-Bashir includes about 14,000 soldiers.

The "Sudanese Professionals Caucus" had indicated earlier yesterday that there was news of a rebellion of forces affiliated with the "Operations Authority".

On the other hand, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash concluded yesterday his visit to the Sudanese capital Khartoum, during which he discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation and providing support to the Sudanese government.

Gargash met with the President of the Sovereign Council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdouk, and a number of senior officials.

Gargash talks focused on bilateral relations and ways of developing them at various levels to achieve the interests of the Sudanese people.

Gargash stressed the UAE’s interest in the stability and prosperity of Sudan, achieving prosperity for its brotherly people, and building peace and security.

He explained in press statements that the visit was positive and fruitful, and stressed that Sudan is today "on the right path, to become a historical success story and a role model for the rest of the region."

Gargash stressed that the UAE is committed to providing political support to Sudan and its people. He reiterated the UAE's support for efforts to achieve security in Sudan.

Gargash said in a tweet on his Twitter account: “Our relationship with Sudan is historic. It is rooted and renewed in our endeavor to build a modern relationship and a diversified partnership ... The Sudanese community, which amounts to one hundred thousand Sudanese citizens, contributes to the renaissance of the Emirates while it is in its second country, and the appreciation that it touched in Khartoum for the Emirates and for its leadership is a reflection of this joint effort.

A group of the Intelligence Commission’s Operations Authority opened fire in Khartoum to protest the after-service reward.