U.S. pulls out diplomats from Sudan, Tunisia

Washington, DC, United States (4E) – The State Department has ordered non-essential staff to immediately leave Sudan and Tunisia after a film, insulting the Prophet Mohammed, sparked rage among the Muslim community in the two African nations.

“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,” department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said in a statement.

Nuland’s announcement came two days after angry anti-American protesters stormed the U.S. embassies in the two countries. The clashes led to death of three protesters in Tunis, Tunisia and three in Khartoum, Sudan.

“The airport in Tunis is open and the U.S. citizens are encouraged to depart by commercial air,” the department said.

In a separate updated travel warning, the Department also cautioned American citizens against risks of traveling to Sudan and called them to avoid traveling to Darfur, the Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan states. “The terrorist threat level throughout Sudan, and particularly in the Darfur region, remains critical,” the agency added.

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