KHARTOUM: British diplomats and their families have been evacuated from Sudan in a “complex and rapid” operation as violent clashes continue between a paramilitary force called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudan’s regular army in the capital city of Khartoum.
The evacuation involved over 1,200 British personnel from the Air Assault Brigade, Royal Marines, and the Royal Air Force, according to Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.
Fierce violence erupted last week in Khartoum between the two opposing forces, prompting the evacuation of foreign diplomats and their families. The UK’s move follows the evacuation of US diplomats in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Mr Wallace thanked France and the United States for their assistance in operation in an interview with the BBC. He added that the operation was complex as the UK embassy was located between the two warring factions’ headquarters in Khartoum.
UK PM confirms evacuation from Sudan
Speaking to the media, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed that the evacuation had taken place and added that work was continuing to ensure the safety of British nationals who remained in Sudan.
Foreign Minister James Cleverly also said that the government was working “around the clock to broker international support to end the bloodshed in Sudan.”
Several other countries, including France, the Netherlands, and Italy, have also begun evacuating their citizens from Sudan.
The power struggle between Sudan’s regular army and the RSF has seen deadly shootings and shelling in Khartoum. The situation in the country remains tense as the government works to end the violence and protect its citizens.
