Sudanese security free two Russian pilots abducted in Darfur
June 6, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – Two Russian pilots abducted last January in Central Darfur state by an unknown armed group have been freed and transferred to the capital, Khartoum, Sudanese government officials said on Saturday.
The two pilots, Sergei Cherepanov and Mikhail Antyufeev, arrived at Khartoum airport from Zalingei on Saturday afternoon. Both appeared in good health as they attended a press conference at the airport with the Russian ambassador, Mirgayas Shirinsky and Sudanese officials.
A senior National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) officer involved in securing the pilots’ release said security forces had detained the abductors.
“The kidnappers and their equipment and their vehicles are now under our control,” Lieutenant General Taj al-Sir Osman told journalists, without identifying them.
Shirinsky, for his part, said no ransom was paid to secure their release, stressing they were being freed peacefully and without use of force.
He added the two pilots were transferred to the hospital to undergo medical tests.
The spokesperson of Sudan’s foreign ministry, Ali al-Sadiq, said the NISS, in the early hours of Friday morning, managed to free the two Russian pilots who have been kidnapped since last January.
He said in a press release that NISS had set up an operations room to resolve the crisis cautiously in order to preserve the safety of the hostages.
The operations room “collected sufficient information in a short period about the whereabouts of the two hostages and monitored the movement of the kidnappers and those who provide them with support and assistance,” he added.
Al-Sadiq praised what he called “the great national effort” made by the NISS, hailing the stance of the Russian government and its embassy in Khartoum and their understanding of the complexities of the situation during the release operation.
He also pointed to the disciplined conduct of the employer company of the hostages as well as the close monitoring and continued support offered to the NISS by the local authorities in Central Darfur state.
“All of that led to the success of the release operation without losses or damages,” he added.
The foreign ministry further said the government would remain vigilant and keen to protect the safety of all foreign workers across the country and will deter those who seek to destabilize the country.
UN CHIEF WELCOMES THE RELEASE
UN chief Ban Ki-moon welcomed the released of the two Russian pilots and called to investigate the circumstances of their abduction.
“The Secretary-General commends the efforts made by UNAMID and expresses his appreciation to the Governments of Sudan and Russia in securing their safe release,” said a statement issued by the office of the UN spokesperson .
the statement further called on the Government to “launch a full investigation” to elucidate the kidnapping .
Unidentified gunmen kidnapped the two contractors while they were onboard an unescorted UNAMID minibus in Zalingei.
Darfur has been the scene of fierce conflict between the Sudanese government and three rebel movements since 2003. The conflict has left 300,000 people dead and around 2.5 million others displaced, according to UN figures.
UNAMID has been working in Darfur since early 2008. It is the second largest peacekeeping mission in the world, containing 20,000 troops, policemen and personnel from several countries.
(ST)