U.S. Begins First Mass Evacuation Of Citizens From Sudan

The initial stages of the United States’ inaugural large-scale evacuation of its citizens from Khartoum, the principal and most populous urban center in Sudan, have commenced. Over recent weeks, Khartoum has become embroiled in intense combat between the Sudanese government and the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). It is estimated that approximately 15,000 individuals holding American citizenship reside in Sudan, with the majority of them being dual nationals.

As per information presented in an ABC News report, a government-coordinated procession transporting American citizens and individuals from allied foreign countries reached the coastal city of Port Sudan on Saturday. Subsequently, the State Department confirmed the arrival of a second convoy in the same city on Sunday.

“We continue to assist U.S. citizens and others who are eligible with onward travel to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where additional U.S. personnel are positioned to assist with consular and emergency services.”

The State Department has issued a plea for American citizens to depart from the swiftly deteriorating country and has emphasized its dedication to evacuating U.S. nationals. Present evacuation possibilities encompass flights operated by partner nations, organized convoys, and available spaces on departing ships facilitated by the United States.

In a statement released on Saturday, the State Department conveyed, “The U.S. government has taken extensive efforts to contact U.S. citizens in Sudan and enable the departure of those who wished to leave. We messaged every U.S. citizen in Sudan who communicated with us during the crisis and provided specific instructions about joining this convoy to those who were interested in departing via the land route. We encourage U.S. citizens who want to leave Sudan but chose not to participate in this convoy to contact the Department of State using the crisis intake form on our website.”

Approximately 70 personnel from the U.S. embassy were airlifted in a helicopter operation aided by elite SEAL teams shortly after the onset of hostilities. The White House has reported that the mission was executed without complications but has encountered inquiries regarding the remaining 15,000 American citizens residing within the nation.

In a security advisory issued this recent Tuesday, it was restated that  “due to the uncertain security situation in Khartoum and closure of the airport, it is not currently safe to undertake a U.S. government-coordinated evacuation of private U.S. citizens.”

Individuals desiring to depart are urged to arrange their own journey to Port Sudan, where they can board a ferry bound for Saudi Arabia. Numerous other countries are also conducting evacuation operations from this port metropolis.