Military flights to evacuate British nationals from Sudan

British military flights are preparing to evacuate UK nationals from Sudan after a 72-hour ceasefire was agreed.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announced that an evacuation would begin after ministers came under pressure to help at least 2,000 citizens flee fierce fighting.

He tweeted: "The UK Government is co-ordinating an evacuation of British nationals from Sudan.

• Sudan evacuation: Two Royal Navy ships placed on standby
• Ben Wallace praises 'dangerous and precarious' military operation to evacuate British diplomats from Sudan
• Sudan: PM Sunak pays tribute to 'bravery' of military personnel involved in evacuation of British embassy staff

"We have started contacting nationals directly and providing routes for departure out of the country."

It comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised the Armed Forces for displaying "bravery" following the evacuation of British embassy staff and their families from Sudan earlier this week.

The evacuation operation involved more than 1,200 personnel from 16 Air Assault Brigade, the Royal Marines, and the Royal Air Force.

Forces News understands Special Forces personnel were also involved in the evacuation mission

Two Royal Navy ships were also placed on standby to assist if required with an evacuation of British nationals from Sudan earlier this week.