Washington: The United States (US) Saturday ordered family members and non-essential U.S. staff to leave the U.S. embassies in Tunis and Khartoum because of security concerns following a wave of anti-American protests over a film insulting Islam.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the U.S. State Department spokesman Victoria Nuland said “Given the security situation in Tunis and Khartoum, the State Department has ordered the departure of all family members and non-emergency personnel from both posts, and issued parallel travel warnings to American citizens.”
At least two people were killed and several others injured after violent protestors stormed US embassies in Khartoum, capital of Sudan and Tunis, capital of Tunisia, over the movie blamed on US for mocking Prophet (PBUH).
In a travel warning, the State Department urged US citizens to “avoid all public demonstrations and political rallies, as even demonstrations that seem peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent with little or no notice.”
“You should keep a low profile, vary your times and routes of travel, exercise care while driving and ensure that your passport and Sudanese visa are always valid and up to date,” it added.
The warning, which replaced a similar notice issued on September 7, noted that while Sudan has taken “some steps” to limit the activities of extremist groups, “elements of these groups remain in Sudan and have threatened to attack Western interests.”
It said the terror threat remains “critical” in Sudan, where enhanced security measures are in place for US government personnel, who are now required to travel in armored government vehicles for official business and to obtain advance permission for travel outside of Khartoum.
Similarly for Tunisia, “The Department of State warns US citizens against all travel to Tunisia at this time.”
“US citizens remaining in Tunisia should use extreme caution and avoid demonstrations, make their own contingency emergency plans” and inform the embassy of their presence and contact information, the notice added.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription