KHARTOUM - The ongoing conflict between rival commanders in Sudan has led to the evacuation of American government officials from Khartoum by the U.S. military. President Joe Biden has expressed his condolences to the hundreds of innocent civilians who have lost their lives in the violence and called for an end to the fighting. The U.S. has suspended embassy operations in Sudan as a result.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed the successful evacuation of all U.S. personnel and their dependents, and pledged to continue providing support to Americans in Sudan to ensure their safety. Other foreign nationals have also started to evacuate from a Red Sea port in Sudan.

The outbreak of violence has caused Sudan's plans to restore civilian rule to fall apart, leading to a potential humanitarian crisis in an already impoverished country. It has also increased the likelihood of a wider conflict that could involve external powers.

In addition to the evacuation of American government officials, other foreign nationals have also started to evacuate from a Red Sea port in Sudan. According to Japan's TBS news, United Nations staff members, including Japanese nationals and their families, are expected to be evacuated from Sudan as early as Sunday due to the ongoing violence.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has made it difficult for thousands of foreigners, including embassy staff, aid workers, and students, to leave the country due to the closure of the airport and unsafe skies. Despite Western countries planning to send planes to evacuate their citizens from Djibouti, Sudan's army has declared that airports in Khartoum and Nyala are problematic and it is uncertain when they will be available.

The ceasefires that have been agreed upon almost daily since hostilities broke out on April 15 have not been observed by either side. Saturday's fighting broke a three-day truce, which was intended to allow citizens to visit their families during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr and reach safety. Hospitals in conflict areas are out of service, with 32 forcibly evacuated by soldiers or caught in crossfire.

The violence is not limited to Khartoum, as Darfur, a region in the west, has also witnessed severe clashes. The conflict in Darfur escalated in 2003, leading to 300,000 deaths and 2.7 million displaced people. The ongoing violence has resulted in the deaths of at least 413 people and injuries to 3,551 others, including aid workers.