President Joe Biden announced the evacuation of dozens of U.S. embassy staff and families from Sudan on Saturday, following a Level 4 warning issued by the State Department. The evacuation comes days after the White House issued the same warning, and the Defense Department deployed military forces to nearby Djibouti in preparation for a potential evacuation earlier in the week.
British diplomats and their families were also evacuated from Sudan in a "complex and rapid" operation, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed. The US Embassy in Sudan is being evacuated by Special Forces amid continuing violence as rival military leaders battle for control of Africa's third-largest country.
The move comes on the eighth day of brutal fighting in the capital city Khartoum and other parts of Sudan between its army and a paramilitary group called Rapid Support Forces (RSF). At least 400 people have been killed due to ensuing clashes, while around 3,500 have been injured according to figures provided by United Nations officials.
On Saturday night, both American and British embassies successfully conducted evacuations for their respective staff members along with their families amidst escalating tensions within Sudanese territory. These emergency operations were described as “fast”and “clean,” highlighting efficiency during this critical period marked by intense power struggles between government factions such as SAF (Sudanese Armed Forces) against RSF militias.
In an official statement released over last weekend, President Joe Biden expressed gratitude towards all participating personnel involved throughout various stages leading up until completion; he also extended heartfelt thanks specifically directed at armed forces securing safety measures practiced en route back home where loved ones eagerly await reunion timeframes currently scheduled upon arrival stateside shortly thereafter.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak likewise thanked British military personnel for ensuring their safe return while calling for peace across conflicted regions plagued with ongoing strife witnessed daily among local populations living in fear under constant threats posed by warring factions vying against each other seeking ultimate control over Africa's third-largest nation.
The Sudanese Armed Forces noted the planned evacuations in a statement earlier Saturday, saying nations that requested to evacuate their personnel will begin their evacuation operations "within the coming hours." As of Sunday, Italy, Belgium, Turkey, Japan and the Netherlands have also announced intentions for conducting similar diplomatic rescue missions.