'Deterioriating security situation': U.S. evacuating embassy in south Sudan

misstripleem | 3:08 AM on January 03, 2014

Further drawdown of @USMissionJuba staff. Starting 1/4, consular services won't be available in South Sudan http://t.co/zjyKwBpkZ0 #alert

— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) January 3, 2014

Happening now.

US Embassy in South Sudan evacuating personnel due to "deteriorating security situation." http://t.co/nKhK81KOgn

— Karen Smith (@KarenCNN) January 3, 2014

From the U.S. Embassy website in South Sudan:

On January 3, 2014, the Department of State ordered a further drawdown of U.S. Embassy personnel from Juba because of the deteriorating security situation in the Republic of South Sudan.

We continue to urge U.S. citizens in South Sudan to depart the country. On January 3, 2014, there will be an evacuation flight arranged by the Department of State to the nearest safe haven country. U.S. citizens should arrive at the Juba Airport no later than 8:00am on January 3. Those who wish to board an evacuation flight need to have in hand: proof of U.S. citizenship, $50 cash for a Ugandan visa, immunization records (yellow card), and no more than one bag which must be labeled. Private U.S. citizens will need to arrange their own transport to the airport and should consider personal safety of that travel in doing so. Evacuation assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible U.S. citizens. Please be aware that each traveler is limited to one bag, and pets cannot be accommodated. All travelers must have travel documentation. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.

The U.S. Embassy will no longer able to provide any consular services to U.S. citizens in the Republic of South Sudan as of January 4, 2014.