London, Thanasis Gavos

A plan to remove British nationals from Sudan is being prepared amid violent unrest in the African country, according to reports in London.

According to the Times, government agencies in Whitehall are working on emergency plans to rescue “several hundred” Britons believed to be trapped in the country where they live.

The British Ministry of Defense is involved in the preparation, which is estimated to imply the possible participation of British soldiers in whatever operation is decided, possibly with a deployment in the capital Khartoum.

However, the Times notes, plans are being complicated by fighting around the Sudanese capital’s airport, which is limiting escape options.

It is reported that there are hopes that the celebration for the end of Ramadan may lead to an easing of hostilities. But if the peace efforts fail, then British troops may be deployed to military bases maintained by France and the US in nearby Djibouti to work with allies on the big exit from Sudan.

Among the trapped Britons are also nine employees of the British Council. Speaking to the Guardian one of them said everyone is terrified as the fighting rages around them.

The British government has said the embassy in Khartoum is open and is urging British nationals to seek shelter.

“We continue to be very concerned about the escalating violence in Sudan. We are in contact with international partners and the UK embassy in Khartoum to help resolve this crisis and ensure the safety of diplomatic staff and British nationals,” a Downing Street spokesman said.