US diplomatic convoy fired on in Sudan, prompting warning from Blinken

TOKYO (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Brinken said on Monday that a U.S. diplomatic convoy was in Sudan on Monday in an apparent attack by fighter jets linked to Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF). said he was attacked. Described as “reckless” and “irresponsible”.

The incident prompted a direct warning from Blinken, calling separately the RSF leader, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedi, and Sudan’s Army Secretary Abdel Fattah al-Bahhan, to urge American diplomacy to He said it was unacceptable to put officers at risk.

“I can confirm that a US diplomatic convoy was fired on yesterday,” Prime Minister Brinken said at a press conference in the Japanese resort town of Karuizawa.

“I have made it clear that the threat of an attack that poses a danger to diplomats is totally unacceptable.”

People in the diplomatic convoy were safe, he said.

“Of course, we are deeply concerned about the overall security environment as it affects civilians, diplomats and aid workers,” he said.

The US is working closely with other countries with influence in Sudan, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and the UK, as well as the African Union and other international organizations, he said.

Fighting in Sudan has left at least 185 people dead and more than 1,800 wounded as both sides claimed gains in a conflict that saw the use of airstrikes and artillery.

Clashes continue despite numerous calls from the United States and other countries to cease fighting and attempts by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates to force rivals to agree to a ceasefire.

Reported by Humeyra Pamuk.Edited by Kim Coghill

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