President Joe Biden announced the evacuation of American government personnel from Sudan as civil war escalates in the country.
Biden shared the announcement on Twitter over the weekend as violence neared the U.S. embassy in Khartoum.
I am receiving regular reports from my team on their ongoing work to assist Americans in Sudan, to the extent possible. We are also working closely with our allies and partners in this effort.
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 23, 2023
“Today, on my orders, the United States military conducted an operation to extract U.S. Government personnel from Khartoum in response to the situation in Sudan. I am grateful for the commitment of our Embassy staff and the skill of our service members who brought them to safety,” he said.
“I am receiving regular reports from my team on their ongoing work to assist Americans in Sudan, to the extent possible. We are also working closely with our allies and partners in this effort," he continued.
“This tragic violence in Sudan has already cost the lives of hundreds of innocent civilians. It’s unconscionable and it must stop. We’re temporarily suspending operations at the U.S. Embassy in Sudan, but our commitment to the Sudanese people and the future they want is unending,” he added.
Americans evacuated from Sudan embassy as airport closes and roads are blocked off amid fighting https://t.co/lquhL7Lbc9 pic.twitter.com/hnCntSPyUm
— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) April 23, 2023
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also shared a statement about the operation.
"Today, at the direction of the President, the U.S. military conducted a successful operation to safely evacuate U.S. government personnel out of Sudan," Austin said.
"This action, led by U.S. Africa Command and conducted in close coordination with the U.S. State Department, demonstrates the Department of Defense's support for our nation's diplomatic personnel," he added.
Leave Americans behind. A Biden pattern. U.S. military evacuated official personnel from the embassy in Khartoum, Sudan, while admitting Biden had again left Americans behind in the country after a week of escalating violence. Disgraceful and cowardly. https://t.co/0lQb5F5EEm
— Fernando Amandi Sr.🌐 (@FernandoAmandi) April 23, 2023
The operation included multiple aircraft and about 100 people, according to the report.
Several thousand American citizens also remain in Sudan. The Biden administration does not have plans in place to evacuate additional Americans.
The concerns over the safety of Americans in Sudan and unrest within the nation continue to grow as the conflict expands in the ongoing civil war.