In a surprise move, the US military launched an evacuation of diplomats from the capital of Sudan, Khartoum, on Friday night. This came in response to recent reports of increased violence in the region, with the US not wanting to risk the safety of their personnel in the area.
The US Air Force sent out a C-17 transport plane to pick up personnel from the American Embassy in the capital city. Despite its huge size, the plane had difficulty maneuvering around the busy airspace. Finally, the plane managed to take off safely, bringing the US personnel to safety.
Meanwhile, local civilians took to the streets to protest the government's increasing clampdown on protesters in the city. Sudanese security forces moved in quickly, attempting to control the protests by any means necessary. As the violence began to escalate, the US diplomats saw fit to leave the country in the safest manner possible.
While it is still uncertain as to whether the US diplomats will return, their departure serves as a stark reminder of the chaotic and unpredictable situation that Sudan is currently in. Hopefully, diplomatic solutions can be reached to reduce the tensions between the opposing sides. Only time will tell.