The United States Government has suspended operations at its Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan and safely evacuated all personnel and their dependents under its security responsibility over the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Secretary of State, Antony Blinken who disclosed this in a statement released on Saturday said, suspension of operations at one of the embassies is always a difficult decision, but the safety of personnel is his first responsibility.
According to him, “I directed this temporary action due to the serious and growing security risks created by the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
“The widespread fighting has caused significant numbers of civilian deaths and injuries and damage to essential infrastructure and posed an unacceptable risk to our Embassy personnel.
The Secretary of State applauded the skill and professionalism of its team on the ground, U.S. military forces, and others across the government who carried out this evacuation mission.
“We will continue to assist Americans in Sudan in planning for their own safety and provide regular updates to U.S. citizens in the area.
“We will also continue to coordinate with our allies and partners as well as our local partners on efforts to ensure the safety of their personnel”, Blinken said.
He reiterated his call to both sides to urgently extend and expand the Eid al-Fitr ceasefire to a sustainable cessation of hostilities to prevent further damage to the Sudanese nation.
“We remind both belligerents of their obligations under international humanitarian law, including obligations related to the protection of civilians.
“The United States, in partnership with the region and international community, will continue to press efforts to bring an end to this fighting and a return to process of transition to civilian government”, Secretary Blinken said.
Meanwhile, the United States through the State Department has continued to advise its citizens not to travel to Sudan.
This replaces previous Travel Advisory issued on April 19, 2023, stating that it cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens due to the current security situation.
It further said that the Armed conflict is ongoing in Sudan, includes heavy fighting between various political and security groups. The situation is violent, volatile, and extremely unpredictable, particularly in the capital city Khartoum.
Electrical and communication disruptions, including internet and cell phone service, can occur at any time. Khartoum International Airport and Sudan’s border with Chad are currently closed.
Media Bypass News has earlier reported that the United Nations has appealed for three days ceasefire to mark Eid al-Fitr celebrations, to allow civilians trapped in conflict zones to escape and seek medical treatment, food and other essential supplies.
In a meeting on Thursday, which brought together the UN delegates, the League of Arab States (IGAD), the European Union and representatives from a number of countries that are deeply committed to solving the crisis.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday that over 400 people had been killed including one US citizen and 3,551 injured in the ongoing fighting between the two main factions of the Sudanese ruling military regime.
It was reported further that both forces announced a ceasefire early this morning after six days of fighting to coincide with the start of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr and to open humanitarian corridors to evacuate citizens.
While bombing and shelling was reported in several areas of the capital Khartoum after the 6am ceasefire was due to begin.