The Sudanese army announced today, Friday, its response to an attack from the Rapid Support Forces on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, and the killing of the commander of the attacking forces, Ali Yaqub, during the clashes.

The Sudanese army said in a statement: "In a new challenge to the latest call and decision from the Security Council calling for the cessation of the attack and the siege of El Fasher, the militia (Rapid Support) renewed the attack on the city this morning (Friday)."

The statement added: "The armed forces and the joint force of the armed movements thwarted the attack and inflicted heavy losses on them, amounting to hundreds of dead and wounded," according to Anadolu Agency.

It further noted: "Among the dead (of the Rapid Support) was their leader Ali Yaqub, who was killed in the failed attack attempt, and our forces destroyed and seized dozens of combat vehicles from the rebels."

On Thursday, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution calling for the Rapid Support Forces to cease hostilities and lift the siege of El Fasher.

The draft resolution, presented by the United Kingdom in the 15-member Security Council, was voted on and passed with a majority of 14 votes, with Russia abstaining from voting.