Tokyo is preparing to potentially evacuate Japanese nationals from Sudan. UN officials say at least 185 people have died since fierce fighting began on Saturday.

Sudan's military and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces had agreed to a Tuesday ceasefire. But it was quickly shattered by violence in the capital, Khartoum.

The clash comes after talks to transition Sudan back to civilian rule. The groups had worked together to seize power in a coup two years ago. UN officials say some health facilities are being looted. Others are being used for military purposes.

The World Food Programme suspended its operations after three staff members were killed.

A Japanese aid worker in Khartoum described the fighting as never-ending.

Kawahara Naoyuki, executive director of "Rocinantes" said, "I constantly hear gunshots and shelling. I can also hear fighter jets. I saw an airstrike hit a nearby building. There are RSF vehicles parked on the streets. I think the group is trying to control urban areas."

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu says Japan has urged both sides to stop the violence.

Matsuno said, "We will continue to work closely with the G7 and other countries. We will do our utmost to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals in the country, including their safe evacuation."

He says the Defense Ministry is preparing a Self-Defense Forces aircraft, in case an evacuation becomes necessary.

The SDF has evacuated overseas Japanese nationals before. The last time was in 2021 when the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan. At the time, the government was criticized for taking too long to dispatch the planes. Japan eased the rules for sending SDF aircraft last year.