The United States recently announced the successful evacuation of U.S. citizens, along with locally employed staff and nationals from allied countries, from Sudan to Saudi Arabia amid ongoing violence and unrest in the region.
The convoy arrived at Port Sudan April 29 and is now assisting eligible travelers with onward travel to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where additional U.S. personnel are positioned to provide consular and emergency services, according to a State Department news release.
"While we work with partners to end the fighting in Sudan and ensure unimpeded humanitarian access, @StateDept staff are working tirelessly to help bring Americans to safety. We thank our partners for their help," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a May 2 Twitter Post.
The U.S. government has been actively contacting U.S. citizens in Sudan and providing them with specific instructions about departing via the land route, the release reported. In addition, hundreds of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have departed Sudan through various facilitated options, including military-assisted departure, land convoys, flights on partner aircraft and sea.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his deep concern about the ongoing violence and unrest in Sudan. In a statement released April 30, he called on all parties to immediately cease hostilities and engage in dialogue to resolve their differences.
"The people of Sudan deserve peace, security and a brighter future," Guterres said in the statement. "The United Nations stands ready to support efforts to achieve these goals, and calls on all parties to work together towards a peaceful and prosperous Sudan."
On the 19th day of conflict in Sudan, humanitarian efforts are facing significant challenges, as reported May 3 by Al Jazeera. Medecins Sans Frontieres, also known as Doctors Without Borders, has managed to deliver some aid to Khartoum from Port Sudan, which involves a 500-mile journey by road.
Based on the information, the fighting resulted in 550 deaths and 4,926 injuries as of May 2, Al Jazeera reported.
