COLCHESTER’S 16 Air Assault Brigade has been deployed to Sudan as part of a top-secret rescue mission approved at 3am on Sunday morning by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The rapid response unit, which is headquartered in Colchester Garrison, had more than 1,000 personnel preparing for the rescue mission ahead of the Prime Minister giving the go-ahead for a British military contingent to meet embassy staff and their families in north Sudan.

It is understood staff, after having been taken to the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, were then taken to an RAF base in southwest Cyprus.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed the 16 Air Assault Brigade’s involvement in an official statement, which read: “This morning, UK Armed Forces undertook a military operation alongside the US, France and other allies.

“They have evacuated British Embassy staff and their dependants from Khartoum due to the escalating threats against diplomats.

“The operation involved more than 1,200 personnel from 16 Air Assault Brigade, the Royal Marines and the RAF. I am grateful to all our partners.”

Foreign Secretary James Cleverley, who is also MP for Braintree, is expected to make an emergency statement to the House of Commons later on Monday to explain the latest developments.