A paramilitary group clashing with Sudan's armed forces says it has agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire on humanitarian grounds. It comes after almost a week of fighting that the United Nations says has killed at least 330 people and injured thousands.

A statement from the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces says the truce will coincide with the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which had been called for by UN officials. There has been no immediate comment from Sudan's military. Two previous attempts at ceasefires have failed, with fierce fighting reported in the capital, Khartoum.

The UN refugee agency says a large number of people have crossed into neighboring Chad. It says people will urgently need food, water and shelter.

There are reports that civilian airports have suffered extensive damage, alongside military air bases, making it hard for people to escape the violence.

A man said, "We want to get out of here but no planes are flying. The airport is closed."

The United States says it is monitoring the situation closely and considering a plan to evacuate embassy officials.

Japan is sending Self-Defense Force aircraft to the region to prepare to evacuate Japanese nationals. It is set to fly to Djibouti where the SDF has a temporary base for anti-piracy operations.