UK Begins Military Evacuation of British Nationals From Sudan; U.S. Says It Is Too Dangerous
UK Military Evacuates British Nationals from Sudan as US Advises Against Travel
FLY OR DRIVE: While a ceasefire is in place, the UK government has started evacuating British nationals from Sudan via military flights from an airfield near Khartoum. The priority is given to families with children, the elderly, and those with medical conditions. The US, on the other hand, has advised against travel to Sudan due to the uncertain security situation in Khartoum. Instead, they suggest an arduous 500-mile drive to Port Sudan.
UK Evacuation
- Flights open to British passport holders
- Priority given to families with children, the elderly, and those with medical conditions
- Eligible individuals will be contacted directly
US Travel Advisory
- US advises against travel to Sudan
- 500-mile drive to Port Sudan suggested instead
- US military providing overwatch for convoys
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul has urged the US to take advantage of the ceasefire to evacuate as many Americans as possible. However, the US National Security Council spokesman, John Kirby, has advised Americans to shelter in place and stay somewhere safe and secure before moving about.
As the two warring generals fight over a plan to combine their rival military factions, the situation in Sudan remains uncertain. The UK and US governments are doing their best to ensure the safety of their citizens, but caution is advised for anyone traveling to Sudan at this time.
WARRING SIDES IN SUDAN AGREE TO THREE-DAY CEASEFIRE, BLINKEN ANNOUNCES
US Navy Ships on Standby to Evacuate Americans from Sudan
The worsening conflict in Sudan has left hundreds of Americans stranded and in danger. The US government is working hard to evacuate them, but the situation is reminiscent of the Afghanistan crisis. Congressman Michael McCaul has expressed concern about Americans being left behind and hopes that an extension on the cease-fire will be granted to save lives.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that the State Department is in touch with American citizens in Sudan, but it’s difficult to know how many are there as registration with the embassy is not mandatory. However, dozens have expressed an interest in leaving, and the Pentagon has directed two US Navy ships to Port Sudan to evacuate Americans who can make it overland to the Red Sea port.
US Navy Ships Ready to Support State Department Efforts
The USS Truxtun and USS Puller are on standby to transport citizens to another location and provide medical care if needed. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, Truxtun, is off the coast of Sudan near Port Sudan, while the expeditionary sea base, Puller, is en route. The ships will be available to support State Department efforts to evacuate Americans.
The situation in Sudan is complex, and many Americans living there are dual-nationals who have made their lives there for years, decades, or even generations. The US government is doing everything possible to ensure their safety and well-being.
- Congressman Michael McCaul is concerned about Americans being left behind in Sudan.
- Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that the State Department is in touch with American citizens in Sudan.
- The USS Truxtun and USS Puller are on standby to evacuate Americans.
- The situation in Sudan is complex, and the US government is doing everything possible to ensure the safety of Americans.
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Happening Tomorrow: Biden and South Korean President Meet
President Joe Biden will host South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at the White House tomorrow for a state visit. The two leaders will hold private talks and a joint press conference where Biden will announce new efforts to strengthen the U.S.-South Korean alliance in response to North Korea’s aggressive missile tests.
“The statement will send a clear signal of the United States’ credibility when it comes to its extended deterrence commitments to the Republic of Korea and to the people of Korea,” said national security adviser Jake Sullivan.
The announcement comes after the U.S. and South Korea conducted their largest field exercises in years last month, and North Korea has conducted nearly two dozen missile tests this year, including a new solid fuel ICBM.
Biden Nominates New Army Chief
President Biden has nominated Gen. Randy George, vice chief of staff of the Army, to succeed Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville, who is set to retire this summer. The White House has not yet made an official announcement, but Defense News reported the pick, citing the congressional register.
“Gen. George is honored to be considered and will wait for the results of the confirmation process before commenting on the nomination publicly,” said Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Loni Ayers.
McConville praised George, calling him “a combat-proven leader who is the right person at the right time and will guide the Army into the future.”
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Calendar
TUESDAY | APRIL 25
- 7 a.m. 2425 Wilson Blvd. — Association of the U.S. Army “Coffee Series” in-person event with Lt. Gen. Kevin Vereen, deputy Army chief of staff for installations; Sgt. Maj. Michael Perry, his senior enlisted adviser (https://www.ausa.org/events/coffee-series/ltg-vereen-sgm-perry)
- 1 p.m. — Government Executive Media Group virtual discussion: “Building Tomorrow’s Workforce,” with Brig. Gen. Scott Cain, director of air, space, and cyberspace operations at Air Force Materiel Command; and R. Dan Aldrich, deputy director of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center’s Detachment (https://events.govexec.com/tomorrows-workforce/)
WEDNESDAY | APRIL 26
Get ready for a day full of important hearings and discussions! At 9:30 a.m., head over to G50 Dirksen for the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration Atomic Energy Defense Activities. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Jill Hruby, administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration, will be testifying. Then, at 10 a.m., switch over to 2118 Rayburn for the House Armed Services Committee hearing on the Department of the Navy FY2024 Budget Request. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday, and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger will all be giving testimony.
If you’re interested in international relations, don’t miss the SETA Foundation at Washington D.C.’s virtual discussion on “Turkiye-Iran Relations and the Regional Dynamics” at 10 a.m. Hakki Uygur, president of the Center for Iranian Studies; Alex Vatanka, founding director of the Middle East Institute’s Iran Program; and Kdir Ustun, executive director of SETA, will all be participating.
At 10 a.m., you can also head over to 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW for the Hudson Institute forum on “A New Architecture for Northern Eurasia: The Sixth Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum.” The debate will focus on “Free Russia vs. Post-Russian Independent States: After Putin or After.”
Back at 2118 Rayburn at 10:30 a.m., the House Armed Services Committee will be holding a hearing on “U.S. Military Posture and National Security Challenges in Europe.” Celeste Wallander, assistant defense secretary for international security affairs, and Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command, will be testifying.
In the afternoon, at 2 p.m., head back to 2212 Rayburn for the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee hearing on “FY2024 National Security Space Programs.” John Plumb, assistant defense secretary for space policy; Frank Calvelli, assistant Air Force secretary for space acquisitions and integration; Christopher Scolese, director of the National Reconnaissance Office; and Navy Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth, director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, will all be giving testimony.
Finally, at 2:30 p.m., head over to 2118 Rayburn for the House Armed Services Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee hearing on “FY2024 Army Modernization Programs.” Douglas Bush, assistant Army secretary for acquisition, logistics, and technology; Gen. James Rainey, commanding general of the Army Futures Command; and Lt. Gen. Erik Peterson, deputy chief of staff (G-8) of the Army, will all be testifying. And if you’re still going strong, don’t miss the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on “Air Force Modernization in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2024” at 2:30 p.m. in 232A Russell, with testimony from Lt. Gen. Richard Moore, deputy Air Force chief of staff for plans.Get ready for a day packed with important discussions and testimonies from top officials in the Air Force and experts in various fields. At 10 a.m., join the German Marshall Fund of the U.S. for a virtual discussion on how domestic corruption undermines democracy in Turkey and Poland. Later, at 12 p.m., tune in to the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments report release webinar to hear about rethinking Air Force combat force modernization. And don’t miss the House Armed Services Committee hearing at 12:30 p.m. where Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall will testify on the Department of the Air Force FY2024 budget request. Plus, catch retired Army Col. Lawrence Wilkerson, former special assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other top officials at the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee hearing on public integrity and anti-corruption laws at the Defense Department. It’s a day you won’t want to miss!
Upcoming Events
Thursday | April 27
- 9:30 a.m. – Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee on the Department of Defense’s budget request for fiscal year 2024.
- 1 p.m. – Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe hearing: “Church, State, and Russia’s War on Ukraine,” featuring religious leaders including Epiphanius I, metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine, and Most Rev. Borys Gudziak, archbishop of Philadelphia of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Watch it live on YouTube.
- 3:20 p.m. – Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin welcomes South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to the Pentagon.
Friday | April 28
- 10 a.m. – House Armed Services Committee hearing: “Department of the Navy FY2024 Budget Request,” with testimony from Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday, and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger. Watch it live on armedservices.house.gov.
- 4 p.m. – House Armed Services Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee hearing: “A Review of the Defense Intelligence Enterprise’s Posture and Capabilities in Strategic Competition and in Synchronizing Intelligence Efforts to Counter the People’s Republic Of China,” featuring testimony from top defense officials. Watch it live on armedservices.house.gov.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“The safety and security of British nationals continues to be our utmost priority … The roughly 2,000 British nationals registered with us already are being sent, sometimes with great difficulty, at least daily updates by text and email. This step helps enable us to remain in contact with them whilst we find a safe passage from Sudan.”
Andrew Mitchell, U.K. minister for international development and Africa, in remarks to the House of Commons as Britain begins a military airlift of British nationals out of Khartoum.
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