In a statement released today, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. announced that he ordered the United States military to conduct an operation to extract U.S. Government personnel from Khartoum, Sudan. The operation, which took place earlier today, was conducted in response to the escalating violence in the country.
The President praised the extraordinary commitment and courage of the Embassy staff, noting their professionalism and their embodiment of America’s friendship and connection with the Sudanese people. Biden also expressed his gratitude for the unmatched skill of the U.S. service members who executed the operation, ensuring the safety of the personnel.
The success of the operation was credited in part to the cooperation and support from Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Saudi Arabia, which played a critical role in the extraction process.
President Biden emphasized that he is receiving regular reports from his team regarding ongoing efforts to assist Americans in Sudan. Additionally, he noted that the U.S. is working closely with allies and partners in the region to address the crisis.
BREAKING: President @JoeBiden Says He Ordered U.S. Military Operation to Safely Evacuate Government Personnel from #Sudan Amid Escalating Violence as US calls for a ceasefire are ignored by the fighters amid declining leverage
In light of the current situation, the U.S. Embassy… pic.twitter.com/1n1PpJn5bZ
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) April 23, 2023
The tragic violence in Sudan has already resulted in the loss of hundreds of innocent civilian lives. In his statement, President Biden condemned the violence, calling it “unconscionable” and demanding that the belligerent parties implement an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. He also called for unhindered humanitarian access and respect for the will of the Sudanese people.
In light of the current situation, the U.S. Embassy in Sudan has temporarily suspended operations. However, President Biden affirmed the United States’ unending commitment to the Sudanese people and their aspirations for a better future.
In his statement, Biden wrote, “Today, on my orders, the United States military conducted an operation to extract U.S. Government personnel from Khartoum. I am proud of the extraordinary commitment of our Embassy staff, who performed their duties with courage and professionalism and embodied America’s friendship and connection with the people of Sudan. I am grateful for the unmatched skill of our service members who successfully brought them to safety. And I thank Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Saudi Arabia, which were critical to the success of our operation.
“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.
“This tragic violence in Sudan has already cost the lives of hundreds of innocent civilians. It’s unconscionable and it must stop. The belligerent parties must implement an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and respect the will of the people of Sudan. We are temporarily suspending operations at the U.S. Embassy in Sudan, but our commitment to the Sudanese people and the future they want for themselves is unending.”
