Sudan evacuation flight lands in UAE

People from 16 countries arrived in Abu Dhabi on Saturday

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  People who fled the conflict in Sudan by air are met by UAE officials in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. AFP

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  Many of those who left Sudan behind were women and children, who have been trying to escape fighting that broke out about three weeks ago. AFP

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  Emirates Red Crescent officials hand out gifts of flowers as the travellers from Sudan arrive in the UAE. AFP

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  The UN says that millions of families trapped in Sudan face an uncertain future. Reuters

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  Some children clung tightly to their parents on the journey from Sudan to Abu Dhabi. AFP

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  Emirati officials were on the tarmac in Abu Dhabi as passengers from the UAE and more than a dozen other nations arrived from Sudan. AFP

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  Accommodation was provided for the people who fled Sudan. The outlook for them is uncertain until warring factions talk peace. Reuters

Latest: Live updates as Sudan ceasefire falters

A plane carrying people to safety from the fighting in Sudan landed in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Emiratis and people from 16 countries were airlifted out by Tarco Aviation aircraft as two sides of the Sudanese military fight for control.

Street-to-street fighting has left hundreds of soldiers and civilians dead. A brief ceasefire appeared to have crumbled on Saturday, with air strikes reported on Khartoum.

“Our priority remains assisting the vulnerable groups including the sick, children, elderly, and women,” said Afra Al Hameli, director of communications at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, who met the flight on its arrival.

Ms Al Hameli said the Emirates have helped evacuees from 19 countries so far. Roses were to adults and children as they disembarked.

Evacuees will be given accommodation until they can be sent on to their home countries, a statement said. The evacuation flight was out of Port Sudan on the Red Sea.

“We remain committed to working alongside the international community to assist Sudan and achieve all that serves the aspirations of the Sudanese people to reach the desired political stability and security,” Ms Al Hameli said.