Khartoum, Sudan- (African Boulevard News) – As violence and unrest escalate in Sudan, the UK’s armed forces, along with the US, France, and other allies have coordinated a diplomatic airlift of British diplomats and their families from the capital, Khartoum. Escorted by military personnel, the operation was called “complex and rapid” by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
UK Forces Coordinate Airlift
In a statement released earlier today, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the diplomats and military personnel involved in the operation. The evacuation was carried out by over 1,200 service personnel from the 16th Air Assault Brigade, the Royal Marines and the Royal Air Force. UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace expressed his gratitude towards the evacuation effort and the UK’s allies.
Priority to Evacuate Diplomats
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly made it clear that the specific threats and violence directed towards diplomats meant their evacuation was prioritized. However, some British citizens still stuck in Sudan have lost confidence in the UK government. They cite their feelings of abandonment and the lack of information provided about evacuation plans.
Appeal for Humanitarian Ceasefire
Prime Minister Sunak has appealed to the parties involved to lay down their arms and implement an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. He also said that the UK government is pursuing every avenue to end the bloodshed in Sudan and ensure the safety of British nationals. However, the situation remains precarious and unpredictable.
French Convoy Ambushed
According to the BBC, a French convoy was ambushed in Khartoum while trying to leave the embassy, forcing them to turn back. The situation is volatile and unpredictable, with reports of gunfire and explosions being heard throughout the capital.
Other Countries Follow Suit
Several other countries, including Belgium, Turkey, Japan, France, the Netherlands, and Italy have also coordinated evacuation efforts to get their citizens out of Sudan. The US diplomats were evacuated using an airborne rescue operation that flew fewer than 100 people with Chinook helicopters. The operation took less than an hour, and 100 US troops from the Navy Seals and Army Special Forces flew from Djibouti to Ethiopia and then into Sudan.
Embassy Closed, Not Safe Enough to Evacuate
The US Embassy has closed and, in a tweet, has made it clear that it is currently not safe enough to evacuate “private citizens”. The situation in Sudan is tense and precarious, with no clear end in sight.
As the crisis in Sudan continues, the international community must come together to end the bloodshed and ensure the safety of those affected. It is critical that all parties involved in the conflict lay down their arms and implement a ceasefire to protect civilians and allow for the safe passage of diplomats and citizens out of the country.
