Security forces fired tear gas at thousands of protesters outside army HQ

Sudanese security forces Tuesday fired tear gas at thousands of anti-government protesters demonstrating outside the army headquarters in Khartoum for a third night, with gunshots also heard at the site, witnesses said. Witnesses and a protester said security forces of the powerful National Intelligence and Security Service and riot police were firing tear gas in a bid to disperse the demonstrators from the military complex.

They said it was unclear who was firing the gunshots. "The security officers are firing heavy tear gas. I can see protesters coughing and covering their faces with hands and medical masks," a witness told AFP from near the demonstration site. "I can also hear gunshots but it's unclear who is firing." A protester at the complex also confirmed hearing gunshots but was unable to determine who was firing.

(With inputs from agencies.)