Jeddah: The first set of people evacuated from conflict-hit Sudan arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia today. Some Indian nationals are among the 66 people extracted from the crisis-hit African nation.
"In the implementation of the directives of the Kingdom's Leadership, we are pleased to announce the safe arrival of the evacuated citizens of the Kingdom from Sudan and several nationals of brotherly and friendly countries, including diplomats and international officials," tweeted the Saudi foreign ministry.
People from Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Tunisia, Pakistan, India, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Canada, and Burkina Faso are among the evacuees. The Kingdom is also providing them with necessary assistance to depart to their countries.
A report in AFP quoted Al-Ekhbariya and said that those who have arrived in Saudi today include the crew of a passenger plane that was hit by gunfire on April 15 when the fighting started. The Saudi plane was preparing to take off when it was hit.
A convoy of vehicles took the evacuees to Port Sudan. They boarded ships to Jeddah from there. Officials and soldiers received the evacuees. They also distributed sweets on the occasion of Eid.