Armed clashes renew in Sudan's Blue Nile state

Armed clashes renewed Tuesday evening in Damazin town, capital of the embattled Blue Nile state, which is under a curfew due to fierce fighting between the Sudanese army and fighters belonging to the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA).

"The clashes started at around 18:00 GMT and the sound of heavy artilleries rocked the town of Damazin," eyewitnesses told Xinhua.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir sacked the state's Governor Malik Aqar and appointed a military governor Monday.

Khartoum is accusing South Sudan of supporting the SPLA's northern faction to ignite security tensions at South Kordofan state, Blue Nile state as well as the Darfur region.

Blue Nile state occupies a strategic location as it borders South Sudan and Ethiopia. The neighboring South Kordofan state is also witnessing similar clashes between the SPLA and the government troops.