Rishi Sunak said UK armed forces have “completed a complex and rapid evacuation” of British diplomats and their families from Sudan following threats to embassy staff.
The Prime Minister announced the operation this afternoon as fighting continues in the African country.
Mr Sunak said: “UK armed forces have completed a complex and rapid evacuation of British diplomats and their families from Sudan, amid a significant escalation in violence and threats to embassy staff.
“I pay tribute to the commitment of our diplomats and bravery of the military personnel who carried out this difficult operation.
“We are continuing to pursue every avenue to end the bloodshed in Sudan and ensure the safety of British nationals remaining in the country.
“I urge the parties to lay down their arms and implement an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to ensure civilians can leave conflict zones.”
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has said the operation involved more than 1,200 personnel from the British Army, Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force (RAF).
He said: “This morning, UK Armed Forces undertook a military operation alongside the United States; France and other allies.
“They have evacuated British Embassy staff and their dependants from Khartoum due to the escalating threats against diplomats.
“The operation involved more than 1,200 personnel from 16 Air Assault Brigade; the Royal Marines and the RAF. I am grateful to all our partners.”
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said in a tweet: “Due to escalating threats against foreign diplomats, the UK has evacuated embassy staff from Sudan.
“Our top priority remains the safety of British nationals.
“We are working around the clock to broker international support to end the bloodshed in Sudan.”
