US, Saudi Arabia note improved respect for deal on ceasefire in Sudan

DUBAI - Saudi Arabia and the United States of America have noted improved respect for the agreement on a short-term ceasefire and humanitarian arrangements in Sudan, the US embassy in Khartoum said in a joint statement on Friday.

Sporadic clashes between Sudan's army and a paramilitary force have spilled over in the last few hours, puncturing the relative calm in the capital Khartoum.

The US State Department on Thursday said the ceasefire monitoring mechanism on Sudan had detected possible breaches of the agreement on Wednesday, including observed use of artillery, military aircraft and drones.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters that the United States has continued private engagement with both sides of the conflict, adding that Washington will not hesitate to use all tools available to hold the parties accountable.