7 Killed As Thousands Demand Civilian Rule In Sudan

Seven protesters were killed in protests Thursday demanding the reversal of a military takeover in Sudan and a return to civilian rule, according to a local medical group.

The fatalities occurred as security forces used violence against protesters in Omdurman, the Central Committee of the Sudanese Doctors said in a statement.

It said dozens of demonstrators were also injured.

The US Embassy in Sudan said it was "concerned" about violent escalation in Sudan.

"We are concerned about reports of deaths among protesters, the use of live ammunition by the authorities, and attacks on medical personnel," it tweeted.

Thousands of protesters managed to get close to the presidential palace in the nation's capital, Khartoum, according to witnesses.

Authorities cut internet and communications services ahead of the protests, which were on the anniversary of a 1989 coup that toppled the last elected civilian government and ushered in the three-decade rule of former President Omar al-Bashir.

Witnesses said Sudanese forces erected checkpoints and closed main roads ahead of the demonstrations amid reports of arrests.

Ahead of the protests, Sudanese police said it will protect peaceful protests but warned it will defend itself against attacks by protesters.

Sudan has been in turmoil since last October when the military dismissed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok's transitional government -- a move decried by political forces as a "military coup."

At least 100 people have since been killed in protests, according to Sudanese medics. -