Operation Kaveri: On 9th day, herculean task of evacuating Indians stuck in western Sudan

The ninth day of Operation Kaveri on Thursday (May 4, 2023) saw what the Indian Embassy in Sudan described as "one of the most herculean tasks" - the evacuation to safety of 80 Indian nationals stranded in the western part of the strife-hit north African country.

With this, 3584 Indians have been evacuated from Sudan since Operation Kaveri was launched in April 24, 2023. They have been moved out of Port Sudan using 5 Indian Naval Ships and 16 Indian Air Force aircraft. One batch of Indian nationals, including family members of Indian Embassy staff members, was flown out of the Wadi Sayyidna military airbase near capital Khartoum.

Since April 15, 2023, clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary's Rapid Supoort Forces have killed at least 450 people and injured 4,000, according to estimates cited by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

"One of the most herculean tasks of bringing Indians stranded in El Fashir was achieved today," the Indian Embassy in Sudan said in a Twitter thread that provided information about the specific mission that involved an 48-hour arduous journey of over 1800 km in two buses.

The Indian Embassy mobilized its resources and coordinated with various stake holders in conflict zones to ensure safe travel for its citizens over an arduous journey of over 1800 km. Two buses from El Fashir in Western Sudan carrying 80 Indians reached Port Sudan (East of Sudan) safely after travelling for more than 48 hours.

"We would like to acknowledge the resilience shown by the members of the Indian community who endured this challenging journey," the Indian Embassy said.

Under Operation Kaveri, the Embassy has mobilized and facilitated movement of 67 buses from various parts of Sudan to reach Port Sudan. From Port Sudan, they have been transported to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia where a transit facility has been set up, before being flown to India.