The armed Conflict In Sudan situation is really getting tough. The ongoing armed clash between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Action Forces has made life difficult in Sudan. In such a situation, the US has successfully completed the extraction of US government personnel from the war-torn country. The armed conflict between the armed forces in Sudan comes right after they joined hands to overthrow a civilian government in the country.
The American president, Joe Biden stated that the US army has rescued US government personnel from Khartoum. Together with this, Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State released a statement claiming that together with the evacuation of the US personnel and their families, they have also temporarily suspended all operations of the US embassy in Khartoum. US Africa Command, with close coordination with the State Department, conducted the military operation. Therefore, if you wish to know more about this event, then this article is the perfect stop for you.
Temporary Closure Of The US Embassy
Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State stated that the decision to close the embassy was really a tough decision. However, the condition in Sudan posed serious threats to the embassy personnel. Therefore, prioritising the safety of the US government personnel, they took this decision.
John Bass, the Undersecretary of State for Management also came out in support of the government’s action. He stated that the closure of the embassy was the only option for them. He added, stressing the condition in Sudan, that the government personnel were facing highly uncertain conditions. In fact, the supplies of food and fuel were also uncertain. Therefore, in such a situation, they were forced to take this decision. However, he also added that there are still some local staff taking care of the embassy.
Lt. Gen. D.A. Sims, the director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that the operation was a ‘haphazard’ one. He added that the US military personnel spent less than an hour in Sudan during the operation. It has been a clean one.
No Official Plans To Evacuate US Citizens
While the US government was quick in evacuating its government personnel from Sudan, a top State Department official clarified that the state is not planning for evacuating the US citizens in the coming times. The source also stated that the US department has made the US citizens rising in Sudan aware of ‘two convoys facilitated by Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates.’ However, they also stated that the citizens will have to travel at their own risk.
However, a senior Pentagon official also stated that they would work in cooperation with the State DEpartment to bring back the US citizens who want to leave Sudan. Chris Mayers, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict stated that they are now surveying the upcoming threats. After that, they are planning to deploy naval assets to help the US citizens who arrive at the port of Sudan. After that, they would consider some overland routes for evacuation. Moreover, the US government has issued an advisory to its citizens, forbidding them to travel to a country of conflict.
US Calls For Non-Violence
In honour of the Eid-al Fitr, both the conflicting Sudanese sides agreed on a ceasefire. However, disregarding the ceasefire, the sides kept clashing. The US has stated that it will keep working to bring the violence to its end. Blinken emphasised the fact that both the clashing forces should oblige to the International humanitarian law. At the same time, he reminded the clashing parties that the protection of civilians is also one of their prime obligations.
Molly Phee, the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs also stated that they are constantly communicating with the Sudan military. It is mainly to find ways to extend the ceasefire enforced by Eid-al Fitr. Phee also praised the role of Ethipia and other international allies who helped in their evacuation operation. Therefore, now let us wait to see what measure the US resorts to in the context of the ongoing Sudan conflict.
Also read: How to Write a Powerful Short Story
