Official Statement by the UK Government
The UK has undertaken a military operation to evacuate British embassy staff from Khartoum, due to escalating violence and threats against foreign diplomats and embassy properties.
We thank the armed forces for their bravery in conducting this complex operation under extremely challenging circumstances, and commend the courage and commitment of the UK diplomats and embassy staff.
The safety of all British nationals in Sudan continues to be our utmost priority.
We are urging the warring factions to implement an immediate and prolonged ceasefire to allow civilians to leave, and the UK Government will do all we can to ensure the safe passage of our citizens in what remains a very challenging context.
In the meantime, our advice to British nationals is to shelter in place and contact the Foreign Office to register your location and contact details.
— End of Official Statement —
The US Embassy was sucessfully evacuated yesterday in a similar operation. The US military pull out was completed under the cover of darkness and took just 60 minutes. There were no injuries or loss of life.
Some other European diplomats were part of that excavation. No further details are yet available on who travelled with the UK embassy staff and families.
Other similar news…
• France has evacuated 388 citizens from Sudan, including a handful of Dutch nationals.
• Germany’s army evacuated 101 people on its first plane to Jordan.
• Italy and Spain have also taken back their citizens and those from other countries, including Argentina, Colombia, Ireland, Portugal, Poland, Mexico, Venezuela and Sudan.
• Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the evacuation of diplomatic staff.
• Turkey began evacuating by road from Wad Medani on Sunday; however plans for Khartoum were postponed after an explosion in the area.
Sources: THX News, UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office & The White House Press Briefing.
