Death toll from Sudan clashes rises to 56

At least 56 civilians died Saturday during battles between Sudanese paramilitaries and the regular army, sparking global calls for calm in a country that has seen decades of unrest.

As night fell on the deserted streets of the capital Khartoum, clashes had not let up.

The paramilitaries said they were in control of the presidential place as well as Khartoum airport, claims denied by the army.

Medics reported the three civilian deaths, including at Khartoum airport and in North Kordofan state, but cautioned that the exact toll was still unclear.