Sudanese authorities have freed 65 foreign hostages held by human traffickers in Kassala state, the eastern region bordering Eritrea and Ethiopia, officials announced on Thursday.
The rescued individuals, from various neighbouring countries, were reportedly bound in iron chains, with some in critical health condition, said acting Governor Al-Sadiq Mohamed Al-Azraq.
The operation was part of a broader security campaign targeting criminal gangs and human trafficking networks operating in the region. During the raid, authorities also seized 10 stolen vehicles, motorcycles, and foreign liquor, highlighting the scope of criminal activity in eastern Sudan.
“Since declaring war on crime and criminals, we have committed ourselves to striking with an iron fist, without hesitation,” the governor said, promising zero tolerance for security threats.
Brigadier General Ahmed Daoud, commander of the army’s 41st Infantry Brigade, confirmed the operation aligned with a planned strategy to enhance regional security. Citizens were urged to report criminal activity, and a dedicated hotline will soon be established to support this effort.
The rescue follows recent UNHCR efforts, which saw 321 individuals from Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia taken in during a similar anti-trafficking campaign in Kassala earlier this month. Sudan’s porous borders and ongoing internal conflicts have long challenged authorities in controlling smuggling and trafficking networks.
This successful raid underscores Sudan’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and organized crime, particularly in regions vulnerable to cross-border criminal activity.
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