Foreign diplomats and nationals in Sudan airlifted to safety

By Nathan Morley

Foreign diplomats and nationals are to be airlifted from Sudan as fighting continues in the country.

The fighting in Sudan has now entered its second week despite both sides - the regular army and the RSF - agreeing to a three-day truce to mark the Muslim holiday of Eid.

All through last night was quiet, intermittent shooting and air strikes were reported in the capital on Saturday despite the ceasefire. Loud gunfire was heard near the presidential palace.

It is understood that diplomats and nationals from Britain, China, Saudi Arabia, France, and the United States will be flown out by air in the coming hours.

Military transport planes are also on standby in nearby countries.

Earlier plans to evacuate foreign nationals were abandoned due to safety fears.

Now, though, military transport planes in the capital, Khartoum, are preparing for the operation.

The violence erupted after deep differences emerged between the army and RSF regarding the latter's incorporation into the army as stipulated in a framework agreement signed between military and civilian leaders last year.

Sudan has been witnessing armed clashes since April 15, with the two sides blaming each other for sparking the conflict.