US evacuates civilians from Sudan to safe havens

According to media reports, a convoy of several buses brought about 300 US citizens from the Sudanese capital Khartoum to the Red Sea coast. The convoy followed an evacuation route used by the United Nations and other countries, the New York Times reported today. Armed US drones have observed the buses’ route.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the U.S. government is actively helping to reach a place where U.S. citizens in Sudan can easily leave the country.

In addition to embassy staff, several hundred Americans have already left Sudan by land, sea and air, a State Department spokesman said. However, for security reasons, he could not divulge any details about the specific operations. The situation in Sudan is constantly changing. The spokeswoman said the safety of passengers could not be guaranteed and it was not known how long the escape routes would remain open.

In recent days, the U.S. government has been repeatedly asked why it has not done more when other countries are bringing American citizens from Sudan to safety. From Sunday to Wednesday, the German Bundeswehr, in cooperation with the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Police, airlifted more than 700 people from more than 40 countries from Sudan. Many Austrians were also saved in this way. Other Austrians managed to escape the country in the Dutch Air Force. Around 50 Austrians living abroad – including 27 children – have been deported so far.