Sudan.. Renewed clashes between the army, the Rapid Support and the Security Council extends the mandate of the UN mission

Renewed clashes with heavy and light weapons between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces in the cities of the capital Khartoum, while the UN Security Council adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) for 6 months.

Al Jazeera correspondent reported hearing heavy weapons around the industrial zone, Hilla al-Jadida and Lamab west of Khartoum.

Clashes also took place in areas south of Omdurman and an explosion was heard, accompanied by a military aircraft flying southwest of the city.

Meanwhile, local sources told Al Jazeera that plumes of smoke rose from two locations in central Khartoum North.

IDPs and refugees

On the humanitarian front, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Sudan said more than 350,<> people had left the country in search of protection in neighbouring countries.

The United Nations estimates the number of Sudanese displaced and refugees due to the war at more than one million and 400,<> people.

Security Council condemns attacks

Meanwhile, the UN Security Council expressed its strong condemnation of all attacks on the civilian population, UN staff and humanitarian workers in Sudan.

In a statement, the Security Council called on all parties to ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Sudan.

The Security Council stressed that the Juba Peace Agreement remains binding on all signatories and must be fully implemented, in particular its provisions relating to a permanent ceasefire in Darfur.

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) for six months.

The decision to extend was taken under a proposal by the Secretary-General of the United Nations after differences among the members of the Council, as Russia, China and African countries, with the support of the Government of the Sudan, sought a technical extension of the mission, while Western countries and other members tried to introduce amendments and additions that take into account the recent developments in Sudan.

Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said UN Special Representative for Sudan Volker Perthes was likely to meet African Union and other officials in Addis Ababa next week to start African talks to resolve the crisis in Sudan.

This came in response to a question about where Peretz would go in the region, given that he is not welcome in Sudan.