Irish Defence Forces helping evacuation from Sudan

12 members of the Irish Defence Forces are enroute to Sudan this morning to assist Irish people there to leave the country.

Over 430 people, including 264 civilians have been killed since fighting began nine days ago between the Army and a rival paramilitary group known as Rapid Support Forces.The Taoiseach says members of the Irish mission have been authorized to travel to both Djibouti and Sudan, to help with the evacuation of around 150 Irish citizens and their families from the region.

The defence forces will be providing security and evacuation support.