The UK is to send a final plane to South Sudan to evacuate remaining Britons – as the country’s government warns it is set to launch a major offensive in a bid to retake its oil capital.
Foreign Office officials have warned it could be difficult to help any UK nationals who choose to stay if the security situation in the world’s youngest state deteriorates further.
Any Britons in South Sudan wanting to leave on the flight should contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as soon as possible on +44 207 008 1500 or by email at crisis@fco.gsi.gov.uk.
After two evacuations using military aircraft, a jet has been chartered by the Government for the final attempt to bring people back to Britain.
A United States rescue plane was hit by incoming fire, leaving three American service personnel wounded.
Today South Sudan officials said they were ready to attack and retake oil capital Bentiu and Jonglei State capital Bor.
“We are making a major offensive,” said information minister Michael Makuei. “Today we will take over Bor.
“Government forces are also preparing to launch an offensive against rebel groups in Bentiu.”
Bentiu remains a vital part of South Sudan, where all but around 1% of government revenue is generated from oil production.
The United Nations estimated that up to 500 people have been killed in clashes between rival factions following a coup attempt by soldiers loyal to the president’s former deputy.
Indian oil producer OVL is understood to have evacuated its staff from operations in the country, which it shares with the China National Petroleum Corp and Petronas.
Fighting in South Sudan that broke out Dec 15 has already killed around 500 people, including two Indian UN peacekeepers.