The 177 Egyptian soldiers captured by Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were evacuated on four Egyptian military transport planes Wednesday, according to the Sudanese armed forces.

The Egyptian army had earlier said it was "coordinating efforts with various Sudanese authorities for a safe return of all its soldiers to the country".

The soldiers were captured by RSF forces Saturday in the northern city of Merowe, where they were holding joint exercises with the Sudanese military, according to both armies.