US President Joe Biden said the US military carried out an operation to evacuate US civil servants from Khartoum “on my orders.”
He announced the temporary suspension of the US embassy in Sudan, but emphasized that his country’s commitment to the Sudanese people and the future they want for themselves is limitless.
Biden expressed gratitude to Djibouti, Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia, whose contributions were critical to the success of the evacuation.
He noted that the tragic violence in Sudan had already taken the lives of hundreds of innocent civilians. He said it was unreasonable and should stop.
He called on both sides of the conflict in Sudan for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access and respect for the will of the Sudanese people.
While U.S. officials said all U.S. government employees were evacuated from Washington’s embassy in Khartoum, including a small number of diplomats from other countries, in an operation that evacuated fewer than 100 people amid ongoing fighting in Sudan.
A military spokesman said American planes entered and departed Sudan with no problems.
Another official added that a large number of local employees are still supporting the embassy, since yesterday, Saturday, Washington decided to suspend its activities.
