As the fierce fighting in Sudan continues for the ninth consecutive day, the United States has initiated the evacuation of embassy staff to ensure their safety. The recommendation to evacuate embassy staff was made by Joe Biden’s national security team due to the ongoing violence with no end in sight. The evacuation is expected to apply to approximately 70 Americans.
Evacuation Details: US Troops Safely Airlift Embassy Staff to Undisclosed Location
According to a senior Biden administration official, the US troops have successfully airlifted embassy staff out of Khartoum and left Sudanese airspace. US forces have flown the embassy staff to an undisclosed location from a landing zone at the embassy. Due to the dire security situation, the State Department has suspended embassy operations, and it is uncertain when the embassy will resume functioning.
Reasons for Evacuation: Violence Claims Over 400 Lives and Endangers Foreign Diplomats and Aid Workers
The violence that erupted on April 15 between two factions vying for control over the country has claimed more than 400 lives, according to the World Health Organization. Additionally, numerous incidents have been reported in which foreign diplomats and aid workers have been killed, injured, or assaulted. The decision to evacuate embassy staff was also influenced by an unprovoked attack on an American diplomatic convoy.
Americans Trapped in Sudan: Accurate Number Unknown
While an estimated 16,000 private US citizens are registered with the embassy as being in Sudan, the State Department has cautioned that the number is likely inaccurate due to a lack of registration and notification requirements. Despite this, the White House has stated that it has no plans for a government-coordinated evacuation of American citizens trapped in Sudan.
US Troops Move to Djibouti in Preparation for Possible Evacuation
In preparation for a possible evacuation, the Pentagon confirmed that US troops were being moved to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti on Friday. The embassy convoy was attacked in Khartoum on Saturday, after which the US evacuation planning began in earnest.
Impact on the Country: Civilians Forced to Flee Homes and Disruption to Transportation Infrastructure
The ongoing fighting has had a severe impact on Sudan, with many civilians being forced to flee their homes. The situation is particularly dire in the town of Al-Fashqa, where tens of thousands of people have been displaced, according to the UN. The conflict has also caused a disruption in the country’s transportation infrastructure, with the closure of the airport in Khartoum making it difficult for aid workers to reach those in need.
International Response: Condemnation and Calls for Immediate End to Conflict
The international community has condemned the violence in Sudan and called for an immediate end to the conflict. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged all parties to engage in dialogue to resolve the crisis peacefully. The African Union has also expressed concern about the situation and called on all sides to cease hostilities.
Conclusion: Ongoing Violence in Sudan Requires Immediate Attention
The ongoing violence in Sudan has led to the evacuation of American embassy staff and has caused significant disruption to the country. The conflict has also had a severe impact on civilians, with many being forced to flee their homes. The international community has called for an immediate end to the violence and for all parties to engage in dialogue to resolve the crisis peacefully. The situation requires immediate attention and action to ensure the safety and well-being of all those affected.
