US temporarily suspends operation of embassy in Sudan
Washington: US President Joe Biden on Sunday announced the temporary suspension of the operation of the American embassy in conflict-torn Sudan.
However, Biden ensured his government will continue to provide assistance to the people of the country.
" This tragic violence in Sudan has already cost the lives of hundreds of innocent civilians," Biden said in a statement issued by the White House.
" It’s unconscionable and it must stop. The belligerent parties must implement an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and respect the will of the people of Sudan. We are temporarily suspending operations at the U.S. Embassy in Sudan, but our commitment to the Sudanese people and the future," he said.
On April 15, violent clashes between the Sudanese regular armed forces and the RSF broke out, with the epicenter in Khartoum.
Government forces accused the RSF of mutiny and launched airstrikes against their bases.
Abdel Fattah Burhan, the head of the Sudanese military, issued a decree disbanding the RSF.
The sides agreed to a three-day truce starting Friday in connection with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr.
On Thursday, the Sudanese Health Ministry said that the death toll in the armed clashes surpassed 600.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization reported on Friday that 413 people were killed and 3,551 others were injured.
The Sudanese Doctors' Union said on Saturday that the armed clashes killed 256 civilians and injured 1,454 others.