A Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (SDF) transport aircraft left for Djibouti on Friday to evacuate Japanese nationals from conflict-ridden Sudan.
The C-130 transport airplane took off from Komaki Air Base in central Japan, according to the Defense Ministry. After arriving in Djibouti, where Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have a base, the plane will stand by for the evacuation of Japanese citizens from Sudan.
Earlier in the day, Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada told a press conference that a C-2 transport aircraft and a KC-767 aerial refueling and transport aircraft would also fly to Djibouti as soon as arrangements are made.
On Thursday, the ministry dispatched five liaison officers to Djibouti to gather information, while forming a joint task force of about 370 personnel from both the Air and Ground Self-Defense Forces.
There are currently about 60 Japanese nationals in Sudan, most of whom are living in the capital Khartoum, including the embassy staff, the government said.
According to media reports, in Sudan, fighting between the country’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has escalated, causing many casualties.
Source: Kuwait News Agency