![The State Department said U.S. citizens who need to get out of Sudan should not expect a government evacuation, but they will provide help.](https://san.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Sudan_FeaturedImage_Clean.jpg?w=1919)
The United States suspended Embassy operations in Sudan. On Sunday, American troops flew in on three Chinook Helicopters and evacuated approximately 70 embassy employees. They landed at an undisclosed location in Ethiopia.
But an estimated 16,000 private US citizens remain in the country, and the State Department has made clear – they should not expect a US government led evacuation.
Patel: “it’s not safe to undertake a U.S. government-coordinated evacuation of private American citizens at this time.// tc 9:50 We have been very clear about the need to – for American citizens to remain indoors, to stay off the roads, to shelter in place, and to avoid traveling to the U.S. embassy at this time.”
The State Department has been telling American citizens not to travel to Sudan since August of 2021.
The most recent travel Advisory states: Do not travel to Sudan due to armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. It adds: The U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Sudan, due to the current security situation.
The State Department says terrorist attacks could occur at any time, in addition to the loss of internet and cell phone service.
Patel: “We have not parsed our words or been ignorant or naïve about the delicate and fragile security situation in Sudan.”
The government is providing some assistance through phone and email. US Citizens still in Sudan can fill out a crisis intake form with the State Department so they can be informed of options to leave as security conditions permit.
The Wall Street Journal reports there are private security contractors in the country helping people get out for a price.
But the Secretary of State says many US citizens in the country may not want to leave.
Blinken “the overwhelming majority of American citizens in Sudan are dual nationals who have made their lives they have been living there for years for decades, for generations, and many want to continue to do that. But for those who are seeking to leave, we’ll continue to engage directly with them”,
Any evacuation will be difficult. The airport is closed, and there are military checkpoints on land routes throughout the country. So the official US government recommendation is to shelter in place, stay away from windows, and go to lower levels of buildings. Straight from DC, I’m Ray Bogan.