South Korea has decided to dispatch a military transport aircraft and troops to evacuate its nationals in war-torn Sudan, the defense ministry said Friday, amid intensifying fighting between rival forces in the African nation.
It plans to send a C-130J transport aircraft, as well as some 50 military personnel, including security and medical staff. The plane is expected to depart later in the day, according to an informed source.
As of Tuesday, the total number of South Koreans in Sudan stood at 25.
"Currently, the fighting in Sudan continues and the airport in the capital city of Khartoum is closed," the ministry said in a statement. "While our transport aircraft and troops plan to be on standby in a U.S. military base in Djibouti and watch the situation, they will prioritize supporting the evacuation."
Earlier in the day, President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered swift measures to protect South Koreans in the country, including the dispatch of military aircraft.
Clashes between Sudan's military and a rival paramiltiary force erupted last Saturday, resulting in nearly 200 deaths, according to media reports.
Source: Yonhap News Agency