‘More difficult than Afghanistan’ – UA intelligence on rescue operation in war-torn Sudan
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Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) recently conducted the “Trojan Camel” special operation to evacuate Ukrainians from Sudan’s war-torn capital of Khartoum, Ukraine’s TSN reported in a story posted on YouTube on April 30.
The operation in Sudan was much more difficult than that in Afghanistan in 2021 since there was no protected American airbase, aviation, or armored vehicles in Sudan. Also, a limited number of people were directly involved in the operation.
“A special forces group of less than 10 people took part in the operation,” said Yarema, a participant in the operation.
“Compared to the rescue operations of the United States, which involved helicopters, armored vehicles, and special forces; (compared to the) French, Qataris, Saudis. The Saudis even had a missile cruiser stationed near Port Sudan. We acted alone, without armored vehicles and heavy weapons, since all our forces are engaged at the front.”
The HUR said that the mission had been complicated by the geographical location of Khartoum as it is in the heart of the country.
The Ukrainian military had to travel 900 km through the territory that “passes through many hands,” and one route could have more than 40-50checkpoints. In addition, there was no contact with the Ukrainians.
It is still forbidden to disclose the details of the operation but, according to journalists, many other countries have already used the Ukrainian intelligence officers’ route.
The HUR reported on April 25 that Ukraine had evacuated 138 people, including 87 Ukrainians, from Khartoum.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry announced on April 26 that 91 Ukrainians had already been evacuated from Sudan. Most were aviation specialists – aviation engineers, pilots and flight attendants.
Fighting between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudan’s Armed Forces began on April 15, and has resulted in over 300 deaths.
The battles have caused a humanitarian crisis in Khartoum, resulting in problems such as access to water, electricity, fuel, food, and medicine.
The sides agreed on a “temporary ceasefire” on April 25.
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