Sudan’s powerful intelligence service on Thursday said it had disrupted a “plot” by members of the military and the political opposition to disturb the country’s security.

At about the same time a witness saw tanks moving in the streets of the capital.

“The security and intelligence service early today stopped a plot to disturb security,” said the Sudanese Media Centre, which is close to the security apparatus.

The Media Centre quoted a source as saying authorities had been investigating both civilian and military personnel linked to the security disturbance.

“This plot is led by some opposition party leaders,” the Media Centre said.