A three-day ceasefire between rival military factions in Sudan has been extended just before it was set to end.
The extension, which will last for an additional 72 hours, comes as a result of strong diplomatic efforts by the US, UK, and UN as well as neighboring nations.
However, there are still reports of intense fighting in Khartoum, the capital.
During the previous cease-fire, hundreds of civilians attempted to flee for safety, and dozens of nations made evacuation efforts for their citizens.
Hundreds have died in violence that has lasted almost two weeks between the army and a rival paramilitary group.
It had been planned for the ceasefire to terminate at midnight local time on Thursday (22:00 GMT).
Early on Thursday evening the Sudanese regular army agreed to an extension; its rival the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) followed suit hours later.
South Sudan has offered to host peace talks, and the army has agreed to send representatives to the talks.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that although the cease-fire was not flawless, it has decreased violence and that Washington was “very actively working” to extend it.
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Karine Jean-Pierre, a spokeswoman for the White House, later asserted that things could get worse at any time.
The army, according to the RSF and eyewitnesses, has been pounding its positions in Khartoum in the meantime.
Other provinces including the Western Darfur region have also reportedly seen fighting.
The battle has claimed the lives of at least 512 people and injured about 4,200 more; however, the actual death toll may be significantly higher.
According to the World Health Organization, illness outbreaks and a shortage of resources will cause “many more” deaths.
Health officials say most hospitals in conflict areas are not functioning, and more than 60% of health facilities in Khartoum are inactive.
