US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on Tuesday that an American diplomatic convoy was targeted in an attack in Sudan, as violence continues between factions loyal to rival generals.
Blinken, speaking to reporters during his visit to Japan, stated, "I can confirm that yesterday we had an American diplomatic convoy that was fired on. All of our people are safe and unharmed, but this action was reckless, it was irresponsible and, of course, unsafe. A diplomatic convoy with diplomatic plates, a U.S. flag being fired upon."
Since Saturday, when fighting erupted in Sudan, at least 185 people have died, and over 1,800 have been wounded, according to the United Nations Special Representative for Sudan, Volker Perthes. The Sudan Doctors' Syndicate, a pro-democracy group monitoring casualties, reported 144 civilian deaths and 796 injuries. As the violence continues, the number of casualties is expected to rise.
The World Health Organization reported that the most intense fighting is concentrated in the heavily populated capital, Khartoum. The conflict is a culmination of tensions between Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, the commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a Sudanese paramilitary group. Both generals have shown no signs of backing down.
Blinken spoke with both Burhan and Dagalo by phone on Tuesday, emphasizing that any threats or attacks on US diplomats are "totally unacceptable." The attack on the American diplomatic convoy is under investigation, with initial reports suggesting it was carried out by forces linked to the RSF.
Blinken urged both generals to agree to a 24-hour ceasefire to allow Sudanese citizens to reunite with their families and access necessary relief supplies. He stated that a successful ceasefire could create a foundation for a more extended halt to hostilities and renewed negotiations for a durable end to the conflict.
Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, confirmed his conversation with Blinken on Twitter, stating, "We discussed pressing issues in Sudan and our shared dedication to freedom, justice, and democracy for our people. Although reluctant participants in this war, it is necessary to protect our people and defend our values."
Burhan's spokesperson announced on Tuesday that RSF fighters who surrender their weapons would be pardoned and integrated into the Sudanese Armed Forces. The UN's envoy for Sudan, Volker Perthes, highlighted the difficulty of delivering aid in the current situation, with UN staff and facilities caught in the crossfire.
