KUALA LUMPUR: Concerns have been raised over the fate of Malaysians trapped in Khartoum, Sudan following an intense battle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the capital today.
It is understood that at least 12 Malaysians are currently trapped in the Petronas Sudan Complex, which also houses the Malaysian Embassy, after clashes broke out between the two factions.
Turkey's Anadolu Agency earlier reported that gunfire and bombs were heard near the army headquarters and presidential palace in Khartoum.
The RSF had accused the army of attacking its forces south of Khartoum with light and heavy weapons.
It also claimed that its forces had taken control of Khartoum airport, presidential palace, the residence of the army chief and Merowe military base in northern Sudan.
The Sudanese army, meanwhile, has accused the RSF fighters of attempting to attack its forces south of Khartoum.
The New Straits Times understands that among those trapped in the Petronas Sudan Complex include a foreign national working with Petronas.
It is understood that the Malaysian embassy has instructed all Malaysians to remain in their homes until further instructions, in line with the United Nations' directive to all embassies shortly after fighting broke out.
Earlier claims had suggested that the army had taken over the Petronas Sudan Complex.
However, the NST has been unable to verify these claims.
A Wisma Putra spokesman, when contacted, said it was still awaiting further information from its mission in Khartoum.
It said it would be issuing a statement soon.
Sudan has been without a functioning government since October 2021 when the military dismissed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok's transitional government and declared a state of emergency.
Bernama reported that last December, Sudan's military and political forces signed a framework agreement to resolve the months-long crisis.
The signing of the final agreement was scheduled to take place on April 6, but was delayed. No date has been announced for the signing of the deal.
Sudan's transitional period which started in August 2019 was scheduled to end with elections in early 2024.