A leader of a Darfur rebel group says hundreds of his fighters are on the outskirts of Sudan's capital, clashing with security forces.

An Associated Press reporter in Khartoum said security forces ordered residents to clear the streets Saturday.

Armored vehicles and heavily armed security forces were patrolling the capital. Government forces also closed bridges leading to Omdurman, Khartoum's twin city.

A leader of the Darfur rebel group Justice and Equality told The Associated Press by telephone from the outskirts of Omdurman that his fighters were clashing with security forces there.

Sudanese officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media, confirmed clashes near Khartoum.