New Delhi, Jul 14 (Agencies): Two C-17 Globemaster aircraft left for South Sudan's capital city Juba on Thursday morning to evacuate over 300 Indians stranded there. Evacuation operatation, named Sankat Mochan is led by Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh.
"The General takes charge again! 2 C-17s proceeding to Juba with @Gen_VKSingh leading evacuation from South Sudan," MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted. Singh had also supervised evacuation of nearly 4,000 Indians from conflict- ridden Yemen last year.
India has been closely monitoring developments in South Sudan, which is witnessing heavy fighting between former rebels and government soldiers in several parts of the city. A task force has been set up for the purpose.
According to the ministry, there are around 600 Indians in South Sudan, of them 450 are in Juba and nearly 150 are outside the capital.
In a series of tweets on evacuation, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "We are launching Operation #SankatMochan to evacuate Indian nationals from South Sudan. My colleague @Gen_VKSingh is leading this operation."
"Thanks to my colleague @manoharparrikar and my best wishes to the brave Indian Air force who are carrying out OP #SankatMochan".