29 April 2023 , 03:23
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An evacuation plane rescuing British nationals from Sudan was seen landing in the country covered in bullet holes and leaking fuel.
Pictures taken of the Turkish C-130 transport plane show the extent of the conflict in Sudan, as it arrived covered in bullet holes after being allegedly shot at by militia fighters with small arms, just as it flew into the British-controlled Wadi Sayedna airfield, located 14 miles north of Khartoum.
Despite the damage, the plane landed safely at around 7.25am local time, before going in for repair.
Sudan's army have stated that rebel forces are working to "obstruct evacuation efforts with such dangerous behaviour", however, the rebel groups denied they had been the ones to shoot the plane.
Bullet holes could be seen on the aircraftIt is thought to be the first time a foreign plane evacuating civilians has been damaged by the fighting in Sudan.
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It comes as the UK government has urged British nationals to flee while they still have time.
Over 2,000 British nationals have registered under the evacuation plans, but there could be more. The Foreign Office has estimated around 1,000 people have been brought over to the UK.
The government has urged British nationals to flee (supplied)Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese military agreed to extend the ceasefire by 72 hours in order to allow foreign nationals to leave the country safely, after Britain urged the rival generals for more time.
The UK government has confirmed that the RAF evacuation flights from Wadi Saeedna airfield, north of Khartoum, will end by 6pm. Eligible passengers are advised to arrive at the airfield by 12pm for the ‘last flight’.
The MOD say the decision was due to a declining demand in seats.
The UK government have advised British nationals to leave while they have time (PA)Earlier in the day, Mr Cleverly advised British nationals that leaving after the ceasefire will be much more difficult.
Speaking to Sky News, he said: "We cannot predict exactly what will happen when that ceasefire ends, but what we do know is it will be much, much harder, potentially impossible.
"So, what we're saying to British nationals is if you're hesitant, if you're weighing up your options, our strong, strong advice is to go through Wadi Saeedna whilst the ceasefire is up and running.
"There are planes, there is capacity, we will lift you out. I'm not able to make those same assurances once a ceasefire has ended."
Royal Navy commandos and SAS special forces are currently at the airfield to help secure and protect the base.
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