The ongoing fighting in Sudan has displaced hundreds of thousands of people within the country, and a high number of Sudanese have crossed the borders and entered neighbouring nations. As per a United Nations estimate released on Tuesday, the fighting has caused more than 330,000 people to flee their homes within the country, and over 100,000 people have crossed into neighbouring countries. The numbers are only expected to rise.

As the conflict between Sudan's army and paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues, the UN's refugee agency the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) estimates that a total of 800,000 people could potentially flee to neighbouring nations, reports AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-violence-enters-third-week-un-says-country-falling-apart-as-casualties-top-500-587527">Sudan violence enters third week: UN says country falling apart as casualties top 500</a>

Briefing the press in Geneva, UNHCR spokesperson Olga Sarrado said that "over 100,000 refugees are estimated to be among those who have now fled Sudan to neighbouring countries, including Sudanese refugees, South Sudanese returning home prematurely, and others who were themselves refugees in Sudan."

The number of internally displaced people as per the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) stands at an estimated 334,000. As per a situation report released by the agency: "the total estimate of displaced individuals across Sudan has reached 334,053".

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sudan-bloodbath-decoding-the-power-struggle-wion-wideangle-587718">Sudan Bloodbath: Decoding the power struggle | WION Wideangle</a>

IOM spokesperson Paul Dillon, as per Reuters, revealed that the number of people displaced in the last two weeks has exceeded "all conflict-related displacement in Sudan in 2022."

"About 72 per cent, roughly 240,000 of these new internal displacements were reported in West and South Darfur alone," he told reporters.

"In many cases, the small convoys are in a sense running the gauntlet between warring factions and it's an extremely difficult and dangerous situation for those who are embarking on these journeys," said Dillon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-conflict-un-chief-sending-envoy-to-nation-as-fighting-continues-587659">Sudan conflict: UN chief sending envoy to nation as fighting continues</a>

The UN also stated that its 2023 aid appeals for Sudan have fallen short by around $1.5 billion and were only 14 per cent funded. "The $1.75 billion joint appeal for Sudan in 2023 is only 14 per cent funded. In other words ... (it is) facing a funding gap of $1.5 billion," said the UN humanitarian agency's spokesperson Jens Laerke.

The ongoing armed conflict between two generals — General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Chief General Mohamed Hamdan Dagaloofof the paramilitary group RSF — began on April 15th. It has already crossed into the third week, and since it started, the conflict has resulted in the death of at least 528 people. As per estimates by the Sudanese health ministry, an additional 4,599 have been injured in the fighting.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The ongoing fighting in Sudan has displaced hundreds of thousands of people within the country, and a high number of Sudanese have crossed the borders and entered neighbouring nations.

The ongoing fighting in Sudan has displaced hundreds of thousands of people within the country, and a high number of Sudanese have crossed the borders and entered neighbouring nations. As per a United Nations estimate released on Tuesday, the fighting has caused more than 330,000 people to flee their homes within the country, and over 100,000 people have crossed into neighbouring countries. The numbers are only expected to rise. As the conflict between Sudan's army and paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues, the UN's refugee agency the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) estimates that a total of 800,000 people could potentially flee to neighbouring nations, reports AFP. Also read | Sudan violence enters third week: UN says country falling apart as casualties top 500 Briefing the press in Geneva, UNHCR spokesperson Olga Sarrado said that "over 100,000 refugees are estimated to be among those who have now fled Sudan to neighbouring countries, including Sudanese refugees, South Sudanese returning home prematurely, and others who were themselves refugees in Sudan." The number of internally displaced people as per the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) stands at an estimated 334,000. As per a situation report released by the agency: "the total estimate of displaced individuals across Sudan has reached 334,053". Watch | Sudan Bloodbath: Decoding the power struggle | WION Wideangle IOM spokesperson Paul Dillon, as per Reuters, revealed that the number of people displaced in the last two weeks has exceeded "all conflict-related displacement in Sudan in 2022." "About 72 per cent, roughly 240,000 of these new internal displacements were reported in West and South Darfur alone," he told reporters. "In many cases, the small convoys are in a sense running the gauntlet between warring factions and it's an extremely difficult and dangerous situation for those who are embarking on these journeys," said Dillon. Also read | Sudan conflict: UN chief sending envoy to nation as fighting continues The UN also stated that its 2023 aid appeals for Sudan have fallen short by around $1.5 billion and were only 14 per cent funded. "The $1.75 billion joint appeal for Sudan in 2023 is only 14 per cent funded. In other words ... (it is) facing a funding gap of $1.5 billion," said the UN humanitarian agency's spokesperson Jens Laerke. The ongoing armed conflict between two generals — General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Chief General Mohamed Hamdan Dagaloofof the paramilitary group RSF — began on April 15th. It has already crossed into the third week, and since it started, the conflict has resulted in the death of at least 528 people. As per estimates by the Sudanese health ministry, an additional 4,599 have been injured in the fighting. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sudan: 100,000 refugees have fled into neighbouring countries, number could rise to 800,000 - UN

A family fleeing conflict-torn Sudan said they are among thousands of people stuck at the Egypt border as drivers are demanding $40,000 to hire a bus to travel across, according to a report by BBC on Saturday (April 29). The family had escaped the fighting in Sudan's capital city Khartoum. Speaking to the BBC from the border town of Wadi Halfa, Fadi Atabani said his family, which includes an 88-year-old woman, were trapped.&nbsp;

"There are thousands of people here. There is no accommodation. People are sleeping in schools or [on] mattresses," Atabani said. As per the report, most of the family members have British nationality and Atabani has been appealing to authorities in the United Kingdom (UK) for help.&nbsp;

"I cannot guarantee my children's medical health here we are in the middle of the desert. I want the British government to assist me in evacuating or a bus which can get us across the border," Atabani said and accused local bus drivers of taking advantage of the desperate situation travellers have found themselves in.&nbsp;

He said that normally, the cost of hiring a bus is $3,000, but at present people are paying $40,000.&nbsp;

"Who has that sort of money? The banks were closed, ATM machines are not working," he further told the BBC.&nbsp;

Hosna, a resident of Khartoum, said she had two daughters trapped in Sudan's capital city. Hosna said her daughters had to pay $400 each to travel to the border compared to $25 before the conflict in Sudan began on April 15. The woman arrived in Egypt Aswan's city before the fighting started.&nbsp;

"My daughters saw an artillery shell fall in our neighbourhood. I could not bring them here. I don't have a husband or a son to help them. I work day in and day out to save money," she added.&nbsp;

Esraa Bani, a Sudanese-American academic, who flew to the Egyptian city to help people arriving, said the bus prices increased astronomically.&nbsp;

Fighting in Sudan is raging despite the two warring factions — Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — agreeing to extend the ceasefire by another 72 hours. On Saturday, warplanes on bombing raids drew heavy anti-aircraft fire over Khartoum. 
 
Speaking to the news agency AFP, a witness in southern Khartoum said, "We woke up once again to the sound of fighter jets and anti-aircraft weapons blasting all over our neighbourhood."

Another witness, meanwhile, told AFP that fighting has been going on since early morning, especially around the state broadcaster's headquarters in Omdurman.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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A family fleeing conflict-torn Sudan said they are among thousands of people stuck at the Egypt border as drivers are demanding $40,000 to hire a bus to travel across, according to a report by BBC on Saturday (April 29).

A family fleeing conflict-torn Sudan said they are among thousands of people stuck at the Egypt border as drivers are demanding $40,000 to hire a bus to travel across, according to a report by BBC on Saturday (April 29). The family had escaped the fighting in Sudan's capital city Khartoum. Speaking to the BBC from the border town of Wadi Halfa, Fadi Atabani said his family, which includes an 88-year-old woman, were trapped. "There are thousands of people here. There is no accommodation. People are sleeping in schools or [on] mattresses," Atabani said. As per the report, most of the family members have British nationality and Atabani has been appealing to authorities in the United Kingdom (UK) for help. "I cannot guarantee my children's medical health here we are in the middle of the desert. I want the British government to assist me in evacuating or a bus which can get us across the border," Atabani said and accused local bus drivers of taking advantage of the desperate situation travellers have found themselves in. He said that normally, the cost of hiring a bus is $3,000, but at present people are paying $40,000. "Who has that sort of money? The banks were closed, ATM machines are not working," he further told the BBC. Hosna, a resident of Khartoum, said she had two daughters trapped in Sudan's capital city. Hosna said her daughters had to pay $400 each to travel to the border compared to $25 before the conflict in Sudan began on April 15. The woman arrived in Egypt Aswan's city before the fighting started. "My daughters saw an artillery shell fall in our neighbourhood. I could not bring them here. I don't have a husband or a son to help them. I work day in and day out to save money," she added. Esraa Bani, a Sudanese-American academic, who flew to the Egyptian city to help people arriving, said the bus prices increased astronomically. Fighting in Sudan is raging despite the two warring factions — Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — agreeing to extend the ceasefire by another 72 hours. On Saturday, warplanes on bombing raids drew heavy anti-aircraft fire over Khartoum. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a witness in southern Khartoum said, "We woke up once again to the sound of fighter jets and anti-aircraft weapons blasting all over our neighbourhood." Another witness, meanwhile, told AFP that fighting has been going on since early morning, especially around the state broadcaster's headquarters in Omdurman. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sudan conflict: Bus drivers demanding $40,000 to help people cross Egypt border, says report

Our priority is to move Indians from conflict zones to safe zones in Sudan, said Indian Union Minister V Muraleedharan while speaking exclusively to WION's Siddhant Sibbal on the ongoing "Operation Kaveri".

'1250 Indians from Sudan rescued and shifted to Jeddah', says Indian Union Minister V Muraleedharan

Saudi Arabia has been extremely helpful and supportive during Indians evacuation from conflict hit zone Sudan, said Indian Union Minister V Muraleedharan while speaking exclusively to WION's Siddhant Sibbal on the ongoing "Operation Kaveri".

'Saudi Arabia has been extremely helpful & supportive in evacuation', says V Muraleedharan

Indian MoS MEA V Muraleedharan thanked Saudi Arabia for evacuation effort from Sudan, while speaking exclusively to WION's Siddhant Sibbal on the ongoing "Operation Kaveri". General Abdullah, the commander and the chief of the King Abdullah air base also speaks to WION. Watch in.

Indian MoS MEA V Muraleedharan thanks Saudi Arabia for evacuation effort from Sudan | WION Exclusive

The Indian government is continuing its efforts to evacuate citizens trapped in Sudan. Under operation Kaveri, the first flight of 360 evacuees from Sudan arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday. Till now, five batches of Indians trapped in Sudan have been evacuated. The fifth batch left from port Sudan and is on its way to Jeddah.

Operation Kaveri: First batch of 360 evacuees from Sudan arrive in India

India has launched operation Kaveri under which around 500 Indians have been evacuated from Sudan so far. India aims to evacuate 3,000 nationals by the end of the 72-hour truce but it looks like the U.S. brokered 72-hour truce has failed.

Operation Kaveri: India evacuates 500 nationals from Sudan

India has evacuated 278 citizens from conflict-torn Sudan. The first batch of stranded Indians departed Port Sudan for Jeddah onboard INS Sumedha, as per a tweet by the nation's Ministry&nbsp;of&nbsp;External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi.

In Sudan, recent days have seen the eruption of a power struggle between rival factions,&nbsp;the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by General&nbsp;Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, led by General&nbsp;Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The fighting which began on&nbsp;April 15 and has killed at least 427 people, knocked out hospitals and other services, and has turned residential areas of the African nation into war zones.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-of-high-risk-of-biological-hazard-after-sudan-fighters-occupy-lab-585979">WHO warns of 'high risk of biological hazard' after Sudan fighters occupy lab</a>

The evacuations happened as fighting abated overnight after the army and a rival paramilitary force agreed to a 72-hour truce. However, as per Reuters, a witness said gunfire could be heard on Tuesday even as Arab, Asian and Western nations were racing to extract their citizens from the country.

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First batch of stranded Indians leave Sudan under <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationKaveri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationKaveri</a>. 
 
INS Sumedha with 278 people onboard departs Port Sudan for Jeddah. <a href="https://t.co/4hPrPPsi1I">pic.twitter.com/4hPrPPsi1I</a>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1650793277812260865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Operation Kaveri was launched by the government of India on Monday. Under it, India aims to evacuate close to 3,000 Indian citizens stranded in Sudan.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while announcing the operation at a public event in Kerala, said that he has instructed junior external affairs minister V Muraleedharan to travel to the region to supervise Operation Kaveri.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-conflict-egypt-says-embassy-staff-killed-in-khartoum-585881">Sudan conflict: Egypt says embassy staff killed; rivals agree to 72-hour ceasfire</a>

While addressing the Yuvam Conclave in Kochi, he said, "Due to the civil war in Sudan, many of our people are stuck there. Therefore, we have started Operation Kaveri to bring them safely. It is being overseen by the son of Kerala and the Minister of our government, Muraleedharan."

Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan announced that he will be leaving for Jeddah to oversee rescue efforts in Sudan.

Muraleedharan tweeted, "Express my profound gratitude to Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji for making me part of the #OperationKaveri to bring back stranded Indians safely from Sudan. As guided by Hon'ble PM, I will be leaving for Jeddah shortly to oversee our rescue efforts."

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Express my profound gratitude to Hon'ble PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Ji for making me part of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationKaveri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationKaveri</a> to bring back stranded Indians safely from Sudan. 
 
As guided by Hon'ble PM, I will be leaving for Jeddah shortly to oversee our rescue efforts. <a href="https://t.co/aiNpJORkyl">pic.twitter.com/aiNpJORkyl</a>
— V Muraleedharan / വി മുരളീധരൻ (@VMBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VMBJP/status/1650516815909466117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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As per an ANI report, the operation's name was chosen along the same lines as 'Operation Ganga,' under which the country evacuated stranded Indian citizens from Ukraine as Russia launched a "special military operation" against Kyiv.

The news agency quoted an anonymous top source as saying that the operation was named so as "Rivers reach their destination irrespective of barriers. It's like a mother who will ensure she will bring her children back to safety."

(With inputs from agencies)

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India has evacuated 278 citizens from conflict-torn Sudan. The first batch of stranded Indians departed Port Sudan for Jeddah onboard INS Sumedha, as per a tweet by the nation's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi.

India has evacuated 278 citizens from conflict-torn Sudan. The first batch of stranded Indians departed Port Sudan for Jeddah onboard INS Sumedha, as per a tweet by the nation's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi. In Sudan, recent days have seen the eruption of a power struggle between rival factions, the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The fighting which began on April 15 and has killed at least 427 people, knocked out hospitals and other services, and has turned residential areas of the African nation into war zones. Also read | WHO warns of 'high risk of biological hazard' after Sudan fighters occupy lab The evacuations happened as fighting abated overnight after the army and a rival paramilitary force agreed to a 72-hour truce. However, as per Reuters, a witness said gunfire could be heard on Tuesday even as Arab, Asian and Western nations were racing to extract their citizens from the country. First batch of stranded Indians leave Sudan under #OperationKaveri. INS Sumedha with 278 people onboard departs Port Sudan for Jeddah. pic.twitter.com/4hPrPPsi1I — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) April 25, 2023 × Operation Kaveri was launched by the government of India on Monday. Under it, India aims to evacuate close to 3,000 Indian citizens stranded in Sudan. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while announcing the operation at a public event in Kerala, said that he has instructed junior external affairs minister V Muraleedharan to travel to the region to supervise Operation Kaveri. Also read | Sudan conflict: Egypt says embassy staff killed; rivals agree to 72-hour ceasfire While addressing the Yuvam Conclave in Kochi, he said, "Due to the civil war in Sudan, many of our people are stuck there. Therefore, we have started Operation Kaveri to bring them safely. It is being overseen by the son of Kerala and the Minister of our government, Muraleedharan." Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan announced that he will be leaving for Jeddah to oversee rescue efforts in Sudan. Muraleedharan tweeted, "Express my profound gratitude to Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji for making me part of the #OperationKaveri to bring back stranded Indians safely from Sudan. As guided by Hon'ble PM, I will be leaving for Jeddah shortly to oversee our rescue efforts." Express my profound gratitude to Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji for making me part of the #OperationKaveri to bring back stranded Indians safely from Sudan. As guided by Hon'ble PM, I will be leaving for Jeddah shortly to oversee our rescue efforts. pic.twitter.com/aiNpJORkyl — V Muraleedharan / വി മുരളീധരൻ (@VMBJP) April 24, 2023 × As per an ANI report, the operation's name was chosen along the same lines as 'Operation Ganga,' under which the country evacuated stranded Indian citizens from Ukraine as Russia launched a "special military operation" against Kyiv. The news agency quoted an anonymous top source as saying that the operation was named so as "Rivers reach their destination irrespective of barriers. It's like a mother who will ensure she will bring her children back to safety." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Operation Kaveri | India evacuates 278 civilians from Sudan

The two warring sides in Sudan, the country's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire from Tuesday, 10:00 PM GMT (Wednesday, 3:30 AM, IST), according to the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Blinken said an agreement was reached between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after 48 hours of negotiations.

An impending observance of ceasefire by the two sides is expected to leave a window for the evacuation of foreign nationals stuck in the conflict-zone. But in the initial hours,&nbsp;a wider sense of skepticism has been expressed over the latest ceasefire announcement&nbsp;since two of the&nbsp;previously announced ceasefires were not respected by either side.

At least 400 people have been killed since fighting erupted on April 15.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-whats-happening-in-sudan-what-caused-the-clashes-583043">Explained: What's happening in Sudan? What caused the army-paramilitary clashes?</a>

UN Secretary General António Guterres has warned the clashes in Sudan may cause a "catastrophic conflagration" of violence that may amplify deep into Africa in the immediate future.

The RSF said they affirmed their "commitment to a complete ceasefire during the truce period". The army did not immediately comment on the development.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Sudan Conflict: Diplomats and foreign nationals evacuated

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The locals and the foreigners living in the capital Khartoum have been told to stay indoors. The food and water supplies continue to run low as the continuous explosions from the conflict have hit key infrastructure such as water pipes.

A host of countries are struggling&nbsp;to evacuate their diplomats and civilians as fighting continues&nbsp;in the&nbsp;densely populated parts of the capital Khartoum.

Earlier on Monday, Blinken said that some convoys trying to move people out were faced with "robbery and looting".

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Exclusive: Sudan Ambassador to India speaks to WION about the current situation in his country

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The US, Blinken added, was looking at potentially resuming its diplomatic presence in Sudan. However, the conditions in the country are&nbsp;"very challenging".

Sudan is suffering an "internet blackout" with connectivity at 2 per cent&nbsp;of ordinary levels, monitoring group NetBlocks was quoted as saying by the BBC.

In Khartoum, the internet has been down since Sunday night.

So far, thousands of people, including the Sudanese citizens have fled the country since the onset of the conflict.

<h2>Sudan conflict</h2>

The Sudanese army and the RSF were jointly running the country since October 2021 after deposing President Omar al-Bashir.

They banded together a Sovereign Council, led by Army Chief General Abdel al-Burhan and co-led by RSF Chief General Mohamed Hamdan.&nbsp;

The Sudanese army proposed RSF's integration into itself within a timeline of two years, a move RSF wanted to delay for 10 years.

The army also supports the transfer of power to a civilian government, another point of contention between the two erstwhile Sovereign Council members.

The RSF chief Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo claims to have seized most of the official sites in the capital Khartoum. So far, the RSF appears to be calling the diplomatic shots as one seen to be purportedly in control of Africa's third largest nation.

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The two warring sides in Sudan, the country's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire from Tuesday, 10:00 PM GMT (Wednesday, 3:30 AM, IST), according to the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The two warring sides in Sudan, the country's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire from Tuesday, 10:00 PM GMT (Wednesday, 3:30 AM, IST), according to the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Blinken said an agreement was reached between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after 48 hours of negotiations. An impending observance of ceasefire by the two sides is expected to leave a window for the evacuation of foreign nationals stuck in the conflict-zone. But in the initial hours, a wider sense of skepticism has been expressed over the latest ceasefire announcement since two of the previously announced ceasefires were not respected by either side. At least 400 people have been killed since fighting erupted on April 15. ALSO READ | Explained: What's happening in Sudan? What caused the army-paramilitary clashes? UN Secretary General António Guterres has warned the clashes in Sudan may cause a "catastrophic conflagration" of violence that may amplify deep into Africa in the immediate future. The RSF said they affirmed their "commitment to a complete ceasefire during the truce period". The army did not immediately comment on the development. ALSO WATCH | Sudan Conflict: Diplomats and foreign nationals evacuated × The locals and the foreigners living in the capital Khartoum have been told to stay indoors. The food and water supplies continue to run low as the continuous explosions from the conflict have hit key infrastructure such as water pipes. A host of countries are struggling to evacuate their diplomats and civilians as fighting continues in the densely populated parts of the capital Khartoum. Earlier on Monday, Blinken said that some convoys trying to move people out were faced with "robbery and looting". ALSO WATCH | Exclusive: Sudan Ambassador to India speaks to WION about the current situation in his country × The US, Blinken added, was looking at potentially resuming its diplomatic presence in Sudan. However, the conditions in the country are "very challenging". Sudan is suffering an "internet blackout" with connectivity at 2 per cent of ordinary levels, monitoring group NetBlocks was quoted as saying by the BBC. In Khartoum, the internet has been down since Sunday night. So far, thousands of people, including the Sudanese citizens have fled the country since the onset of the conflict. Sudan conflict The Sudanese army and the RSF were jointly running the country since October 2021 after deposing President Omar al-Bashir. They banded together a Sovereign Council, led by Army Chief General Abdel al-Burhan and co-led by RSF Chief General Mohamed Hamdan. The Sudanese army proposed RSF's integration into itself within a timeline of two years, a move RSF wanted to delay for 10 years. The army also supports the transfer of power to a civilian government, another point of contention between the two erstwhile Sovereign Council members. The RSF chief Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo claims to have seized most of the official sites in the capital Khartoum. So far, the RSF appears to be calling the diplomatic shots as one seen to be purportedly in control of Africa's third largest nation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sudan's warring factions agree to 72-hour ceasefire

As part of the evacuation mission known as "Operation Kaveri," the first group of Indians stuck in the violently unstable Sudan was transported out of the nation by the Indian naval ship INS Sumedha. Arindam Bagchi, a spokesman for the ministry of external affairs, reported that 278 persons were aboard the ship when it sailed from Port Sudan to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

First batch of 278 Indians evacuated from conflict-hit Sudan

The World Health Organization on Tuesday warned of a "huge biological risk" after fighters in conflict-ravaged Sudan occupied a central public laboratory.

As per an AFP report, the laboratory was holding samples of diseases including polio and measles, and it being seized created an "extremely, extremely dangerous" situation.

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Talking to reporters in Geneva via video link, Nima Saeed Abid, the WHO's representative in Sudan, said "There is a huge biological risk associated with the occupation of the central public health lab... by one of the fighting parties."

As per Abid, fighters "kicked out all the technicians from the lab... which is completely under the control of one of the fighting parties as a military base." However, he did not mention which side has seized the bio lab.

Abid reportedly received a call from the head of the national laboratory in Khartoum on Monday, a day before the US-brokered 72-hour ceasefire between Sudan's warring generals officially came into effect.

Pointing out that the lab held so-called isolates, or samples, of a range of deadly diseases, including measles, polio and cholera, he said: "There is a huge biological risk associated with the occupation of the central public health lab."

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The lab director also warned Abid that "depleting stocks of blood bags risk spoiling due to lack of power."

"In addition to chemical hazards, bio-risk hazards are also very high due to lack of functioning generators," said the WHO Sudan representative.

Since it began 10 days ago, as per the UN health agency, there have been confirmed 14 attacks on healthcare, in which eight people have been killed and two were injured.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The World Health Organization on Tuesday warned of a "huge biological risk" after fighters in conflict-ravaged Sudan occupied a central public laboratory. As per an AFP report, the laboratory was holding samples of diseases including polio and measles, and it being seized created an "extremely, extremely dangerous" situation.

The World Health Organization on Tuesday warned of a "huge biological risk" after fighters in conflict-ravaged Sudan occupied a central public laboratory. As per an AFP report, the laboratory was holding samples of diseases including polio and measles, and it being seized created an "extremely, extremely dangerous" situation. Also read | Operation Kaveri | India evacuates 278 civilians from Sudan Talking to reporters in Geneva via video link, Nima Saeed Abid, the WHO's representative in Sudan, said "There is a huge biological risk associated with the occupation of the central public health lab... by one of the fighting parties." As per Abid, fighters "kicked out all the technicians from the lab... which is completely under the control of one of the fighting parties as a military base." However, he did not mention which side has seized the bio lab. Abid reportedly received a call from the head of the national laboratory in Khartoum on Monday, a day before the US-brokered 72-hour ceasefire between Sudan's warring generals officially came into effect. Pointing out that the lab held so-called isolates, or samples, of a range of deadly diseases, including measles, polio and cholera, he said: "There is a huge biological risk associated with the occupation of the central public health lab." Also read | Top EU diplomat says ambassador to Sudan still in conflict-torn country The lab director also warned Abid that "depleting stocks of blood bags risk spoiling due to lack of power." "In addition to chemical hazards, bio-risk hazards are also very high due to lack of functioning generators," said the WHO Sudan representative. Since it began 10 days ago, as per the UN health agency, there have been confirmed 14 attacks on healthcare, in which eight people have been killed and two were injured. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WHO warns of 'high risk of biological hazard' after Sudan fighters occupy lab