Japan's Self-Defense Forces are preparing to evacuate Japanese nationals from Sudan. This comes as fighting between rival military factions continues after a second ceasefire collapsed.

The United Nations says more than 180 people have been killed and millions of people are hiding in their homes.

The fighting broke out on Saturday between the army and the paramilitary group, Rapid Support Forces. Violence quickly spread across the country.

Both sides agreed to a 24-hour ceasefire on Tuesday but that did not last. A second ceasefire agreed to on Wednesday also fell apart. Clashes continue around the presidential palace and the international airport in the capital, Khartoum.

Satellite images show damage to the airport. There are also reports of damage to other airports and air force bases across the country.

A Japanese woman living in Khartoum told NHK she has been holed up in her home for five days. She says she has a stockpile of water and food but is very worried.

The rival factions originally worked together to seize power in a coup two years ago. But they strongly disagree on how to reorganize the military and transition Sudan back to civilian rule.

The fighting prompted Germany to consider evacuating about 150 of its citizens. It was planning to send three military transport planes but reportedly halted the mission as the fighting continued.

Japan's defense minister has ordered the Self-Defense Forces to dispatch transport aircraft to nearby Djibouti and wait on standby. An SDF unit is stationed there for anti-piracy operations.

The SDF chief says 370 members will be engaged in the mission. Five left Japan on Thursday evening. Chief of Staff General Yoshida Yoshihide said the security situation in Sudan is extremely severe and fluid. He said the SDF will carefully gather and analyze information.

Defense Ministry sources say three planes are expected to be used in the mission. They say the aircraft will arrive in Djibouti this weekend at the earliest.