The United States is urging beefed up U.N. sanctions against the warring parties in Sudan to build pressure on them to negotiate an end to fighting.

A paramilitary group in Sudan has announced the formation of a parallel government in areas it controls, mainly in Darfur.

Sudanese officials says the military and its allies had taken back the strategic city of Wad Medani more than a year after the Rapid Support Forces seized it.

The White House says it's imposing sanctions against key defense companies and people who “perpetuate violence” in Sudan as the warring sides fail to abide by a cease-fire agreement in the northeastern African nation.