The Sudanese military reports that 177 Egyptian Air Force soldiers have been transported to Egypt for evacuation.
The Sudanese armed forces reported that the 177 Egyptian soldiers who were taken captive by the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were evacuated on four Egyptian military transport planes on Wednesday.
The Egyptian army had previously stated that they were working with various Sudanese authorities to ensure the safe return of their soldiers.
The soldiers were detained in the northern city of Merowe while participating in joint military exercises with the Sudanese military, as confirmed by sources from both armies.
On Wednesday, the Sudanese armed forces reported that the 177 Egyptian soldiers who were taken captive by the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were evacuated on four Egyptian military transport planes.
This comes after the Egyptian army had previously stated that they were working with various Sudanese authorities to ensure the safe return of their soldiers.
The soldiers were detained in the northern city of Merowe while participating in joint military exercises with the Sudanese military, as confirmed by sources from both armies.
The RSF initially claimed that the Egyptian soldiers were trying to cross the border illegally, but later retracted the statement and clarified that it was a misunderstanding.
The incident caused tensions between the two neighboring countries, with Egypt threatening to take military action if their soldiers were not released. Sudan, on the other hand, accused Egypt of violating its sovereignty and conducting unauthorized military drills on its territory.
The situation was eventually resolved through diplomatic means, with Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi holding a phone conversation to discuss the matter.
The Sudanese government also issued a statement expressing regret over the incident and reaffirming its commitment to maintaining good relations with Egypt.
The joint military exercises between Egypt and Sudan were aimed at enhancing cooperation and coordination between their respective armed forces, particularly in the areas of counter-terrorism and border security.
The incident highlights the challenges of conducting joint military exercises, particularly in regions where there are long-standing border disputes and territorial claims.
It also underscores the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in resolving conflicts and preventing escalation. The fact that the matter was resolved peacefully and without resorting to military action is a positive development that should be celebrated.
In conclusion, the safe return of the 177 Egyptian soldiers who were taken captive by the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces is a welcome development.
It is a testament to the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in resolving conflicts, particularly between neighboring countries with a shared history and culture.
The incident also highlights the challenges of conducting joint military exercises, and the need for greater coordination and communication between participating forces.
