Sudan has accused neighbouring Chad of backing Saturday's rebel attack on the capital Khartoum.

The Sudanese government, which has claimed Chad trained and armed the rebels, has broken off diplomatic relations.

The Sudanese army says it repulsed the fighters of the JEM rebel movement after they had reached the capital's outskirts.

A curfew imposed in Khartoum after the fighting has since been partially lifted except in the suburb of Omdurman, which saw the heaviest fighting.

The authorities warn that the rebels are continuing to make the area surrounding the capital dangerous for civilians.

Several airlines have cancelled their flights to Khartoum as the authorities have closed the airport for an indefinite period.