UK evacuates citizens from war-torn Sudan

The first evacuation flight carrying British nationals from Sudan has landed in Cyprus. 

The first passenger plane contained about 40 civilians. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the next 24 hours are "absolutely critical" for the evacuation of UK nationals. More flights, ferrying a total of 260 people, are expected to arrive on Wednesday.

The RSF (Rapid Support Forces) and the military are currently observing a 72-hour truce, which began on April 25. 

Families with children, the elderly and people with medical conditions are being prioritised as the military attempts to get hundreds out of the war-torn country.

Trapped UK nationals have been told to make their own way to an airport near Khartoum, without an escort, sources reported. 

UN special envoy Volker Perthes said the US-brokered ceasefire seems to be partially holding. He also told the UN Security Council, that there's no sign the parties involved are willing to negotiate.

About 4,000 UK nationals are said to be in Sudan and 2,000 of them have requested help.

Sudanese relatives of British nationals were denied temporary visas, the Independent reported.

The UK ministry had come under pressure to evacuate its citizens, especially since the government helped its diplomats flee about two days before they evacuated the British nationals.