Iran Press/Africa: Heavy gunfire has been heard in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, as security forces forcefully moved in to clear a protest camp that has been the central point in the demonstrators' months-long struggle for civilian rule.
Medical sources said at least 9 people were killed and dozens wounded in the Monday morning raid, which was still in progress, Al Jazeera reported.
Regional news outlets reported that all flights and operations at Khartoum airport have stopped.
Also, there is the curfew rule in place in Sudan's capital city.
In a post on Twitter, the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) said the country's ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) had assigned a large number of troops to disperse the protest camp.
The sound of heavy gunfire was heard in footage broadcast from the scene, while plumes of smoke rose into the sky.
According to informed sources, troops from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) first used tear gas then sound grenade to disperse protesters. Soldiers then fired live rounds at the remaining protesters.
"They are now in control of most of the sit-in area and have burnt down the make-shift clinics. Most of the protesters have been dispersed. Soldiers are blocking all entrances to the area with military vehicles to stop protesters from returning," the sources said, adding that Madani Abass Madani, one of the protest leaders, has been injured as troops dispersed the protesters.
Witnesses spoke of soldiers being heavily armed and of using live ammunition against protesters who were peaceful and did nothing to provoke the troops.
"They were shooting at every one randomly and people were running for their lives. They blocked all roads and most tents at the sit-in have been set on fire," One witness said.
"People are very angry right now. They don't know what could happen next. Protesters have dispersed to other parts of the city. They are now on the streets protesting. Most people have blocked the roads in their neighbourhoods," he added.
In a statement, the SPA said the TMC would be held accountable for any bloodshed and called for a campaign of civil disobedience.
"It is imperative to go out to the streets to protect the revolution and the remaining dignity. Our weapons are peace courage," it said in a statement. "We call on the revolutionaries in all neighbourhoods, villages, towns and cities of Sudan to go out to the streets and start marching, closing all streets and bridges and ports. We call for a comprehensive civil disobedience to bring down the deadly military junta and complete our revolution."
The sit-in has become the focal point of Sudan's protest movement, which saw longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir overthrown in April and has since been calling for the generals who replaced him to hand over power to a civilian-led administration.
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