The US has deployed 46 more defence personnel in South Sudan and may take further military action for the security of American citizens in the violence- wracked country, President Barack Obama has said.
“As I monitor the situation in South Sudan, I may take further action to support the security of US citizens, personnel, and property, including our Embassy, in South Sudan,” Obama said in a communique to the Congress.
US has deployed 46 defence personnel in the area of Bor in South Sudan to conduct an operation to evacuate American citizens and personnel, Obama said on Saturday.
After the aircraft came under fire as they approached Bor, the operation was curtailed due to security considerations, and the aircraft and military personnel onboard departed South Sudan without completing the evacuation, he said, adding that the purpose of this operation was to protect US citizens, personnel and property.
Obama said this action has been directed consistent with his responsibility to protect US citizens both at home and abroad, and in furtherance of US national security and foreign policy interests.