One American killed during fighting in Sudan
One American was killed during the heavy fighting taking place in Sudan.
The US State Department confirmed the US citizen’s death at a press briefing on Thursday. They have not yet been identified.
‘We are in touch with the family and offer our deepest condolences to them on their loss,’ the State Department said. ‘Out of respect for the family during this difficult time, we have nothing further to add.’
The ongoing violence in Sudan’s capital of Khartoum has killed an estimated 330 people, as rival military leaders Abdel Fatah al Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo fight over control of the country.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged the two generals to uphold a temporary ceasefire agreement until Sunday. However, both sides seem to be ignoring the truce.
‘The reports of ongoing indiscriminate violence in Sudan threatens the safety of all civilians and threatens the aspirations of the Sudanese people for a democratic transition,’ State Department Spokesperson Vedant Patel said at a briefing on Friday. ‘We are very concerned about reports continuing clashes, attacks on civilians, and looting, and urge the RSF and SAF to uphold the nationwide ceasefire until at least the end of Eid al-Fitr.’
The State Department has maintained a ‘do not travel’ advisory for Sudan since 2021, when fighting overthrew longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir.
An estimated 16,000 Americans are still in the country, however the US Embassy in Khartoum cautioned that number was not up-to-date.
On Monday, gunman fired upon a US diplomatic convoy with marked license plates and American flags in Khartoum. No injuries were reported, but the incident was still criticized by US officials.
‘This action was reckless, it was irresponsible, and of course unsafe,’ Secretary Blinken, who is currently on a diplomatic trip in Japan, said at a press availability.
It is unclear which side the gunmen were fighting for, and the incident remains under investigation.
‘We have made very clear to both sides that any attacks, threats, or dangers posed to our diplomats are totally unacceptable,’ Patel said.
Patel said the State Department had ‘full accountability’ of all personnel at the US Embassy in Khartoum.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon deployed additional American troops to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti to assist in the potential evacuation of Americans from Sudan.
However, Patel confirmed there are no current plans to evacuate the Americans at the embassy. ‘It is currently unsafe to undertake a government coordinated evac,’ the State Department spokesperson said, citing the destruction at Khartoum’s airport.
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