A sword-wielding Sudanese man has attacked and then gunned down two security guards outside the presidential palace in the capital, Khartoum, prompting a return of fire that killed him.

Sudan’s military spokesman, Colonel Sawarmi Khalid, said the incident took place on Saturday when the man engaged in a verbal dispute with the guards after he forced his way into a secured area.

Khalid added that the unnamed man, having been prevented from passing, attacked one of the guards with his sword before seizing a rifle and shooting two guards dead. Other soldiers opened fire and killed the assailant.

Presidential press secretary, Emad Sidahmed, said President Omar al-Bashir and members of his cabinet were not in the palace at the time of the assault.

Sidahmed said security authorities have launched an investigation into the attack.

Bashir came to power after the 1989 coup d’état. His National Congress Party announced last month that the 70-year-old political leader plans to seek re-election next year.