US forces deploy to Djibouti as Pentagon eyes Sudan embassy evacuation

The USA has deployed troops to Djibouti because the close by nation of Sudan is consumed by a growing civil conflict.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin fielded questions from the press Friday, and he was requested for updates relating to the security of U.S. residents trapped in warring Sudan.

“Relating to Sudan, the [Department of Defense] — by our headquarters and AFRICOM — continues to watch very carefully the scenario on the bottom, and we proceed to coordinate with the State Division to ensure we have now a standard imaginative and prescient of what the scenario is,” Austin instructed reporters.

US CITIZEN KILLED IN SUDAN AMID HEAVY INFIGHTING: STATE DEPARTMENT

Secretary of Protection Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Workers Mark Milley tackle a press convention throughout a Ukraine Protection Contact Group assembly at Ramstein Air Base, southwestern Germany, April 21, 2023. (Andrew Ache/AFP by way of Getty Pictures)

Austin confirmed U.S. troops have been positioned close by as a security measure.

“We at all times wish to ensure that we’re doing prudent planning, which is what we’re doing,” Austin added. “We have deployed some forces into the theater to make sure that we offer as many choices as potential if we’re referred to as on to do one thing. We have not been referred to as on to do something but.”

U.S. forces have been positioned in Djibouti for a possible mission to evacuate U.S. Embassy personnel in Khartoum, Sudan’s capital metropolis, a senior U.S. official confirmed to Fox Information Thursday. 

BLOODY SUDAN CONFLICT CONTINUES DESPITE TRUCE, INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE

Folks fleeing road battles between the forces of two rival Sudanese generals are transported on the again of a truck within the southern a part of Khartoum April 21, 2023. (AFP by way of Getty Pictures)

John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications on the White Home’s Nationwide Safety Council, emphasised the rising pressure in a press gaggle that adopted.

“We’re very a lot in the identical place that we had been yesterday. The army continues to pre-position capabilities close by in case they’re wanted. However there has not been a choice made that they are going to be issued,” mentioned Kirby. 

“It is only a matter of creating positive that we’re prepared for it. Nonetheless a really tense scenario in Khartoum. None of those so-called cease-fires have taken root for very lengthy. So the combating continues.”

SUDAN CONFLICT: US CONDUCTS ‘PRUDENT PLANNING’ AS VIOLENCE ESCALATES

This picture seize taken from AFPTV video footage April 20, 2023, exhibits an aerial view of black smoke rising above the Khartoum Worldwide Airport amid ongoing battles between the forces of two rival generals. (AFP by way of Getty Pictures)

Embassy employees has been sheltering in place since Saturday, when gunfire and explosions erupted within the capital amid battle between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudan’s army. 

The 2 sides are battling for management of the nation, with 5 million metropolis residents and U.S. personnel caught within the crossfire. 

U.S. Secretary of Protection Lloyd Austin speaks to the media after a gathering of the Ukraine Protection Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base April 21, 2023, in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany. (Thomas Lohnes/Getty Pictures)

A U.S. citizen was killed in Sudan amid escalating violence within the nation’s capital and different locations over the previous week. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Smoke rises as clashes proceed within the Sudanese capital April 16, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Speedy Assist Forces (RSF). (Mahmoud Hjaj/Anadolu Company by way of Getty Pictures)

“We will affirm the loss of life of 1 U.S. citizen in Sudan,” a State Division spokesperson instructed Fox Information. “We’re in contact with the household and supply our deepest condolences to them on their loss. Out of respect for the household throughout this tough time, we have now nothing additional so as to add.” 

The deceased American citizen didn’t work for the U.S. Embassy.

Fox Information’ Lawrence Richard and Bradford Betz contributed to this report.