The Sudanese army and rival paramilitaries traded blame on Thursday over targeting a major oil refinery north of the capital Khartoum, where clashes between the warring sides have intensified.

Fighting also reported in el-Fasher after RSF issued ultimatum to army to leave its last stronghold in the country.

Eyewitnesses reported smoke over Khartoum, with footage showing army forces securing the town’s entrance. Meanwhile, in el-Fasher, fighting escalated after the RSF’s 48-hour ultimatum for the army to withdraw expired,

Sudan’s largest oil refinery was engulfed in flames on Thursday, sending thick plumes of smoke over the city of Bahri, as the country’s warring army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) traded accusations over who was responsible.

The Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Thursday accused each other of attacking the Khartoum refinery in Al-Jaili.

Sudan's military has accused the paramilitary RSF of setting fire to the oil refinery in al-Jaili, Khartoum. The incident marks an escalation in tensions as both sides continue to struggle for control.