Turkish Evacuation Plane Attacked in Sudan: A Shocking Incident of Endangering Human Lives

According to Turkish officials, a military transport plane was targeted while landing in Sudan on Friday. Despite sustaining damage to its fuel system, the Lockheed C-130 Hercules landed safely at Wadi Seidna Air Base, located near the Sudanese capital of Khartoum. The airport is currently being used for the evacuation of individuals affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

As the Turkish Air Force’s Lockheed C-130 was approaching Wadi Seidna, it was attacked by “light weapons” causing damage to its fuel supply system. Although the aircraft suffered damage, it managed to land safely. Reports suggest that the aircraft was on a mission to evacuate Turkish citizens who were stranded in Sudan.

In a statement issued by the Turkish defense ministry, it was confirmed that no personnel were injured in the attack. However, the necessary repairs are being carried out on the aircraft. The truce between Sudan’s two warring factions was extended for an additional 72 hours to allow stranded foreign nationals to leave. Nevertheless, sporadic fighting has been reported in and around Khartoum since then.

Bullet holes

The C-130 transport plane, which arrived in Sudan to evacuate Turkish citizens affected by the conflict, was hit several times on the ground, as evidenced by photographs. In one image, fuel can be seen leaking from a bullet hole. The Turkish defense ministry reports that the aircraft is being repaired at Wadi Seidna and that they are still working to rescue their stranded citizens in Sudan.

Sudan militia denies

Although the Sudanese army accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF) of the shooting, Turkish authorities did not explicitly identify the responsible party.

In response to the accusations, the RSF issued a statement refuting the claims. They stated that they had not targeted any aircraft in the sky of Wadi Sayedna in Omdurman. The RSF added that the area is not under their control and they have no forces in its proximity.

Conflict in Sudan has made its skies treacherous this month. Gunfire damaged a Saudia aircraft as it was preparing for departure from Khartoum, and a SkyUp Boeing 737 suffered severe damage at the same airport. Despite the ceasefire, foreign governments continue to conduct evacuation flights. However, this incident raises significant concerns, and it remains uncertain whether evacuation flights will cease once the truce ends.

Also Read: Indian Aviation News 

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