US Orders Diplomats to Flee Tunisia, Sudan

Washington has ordered all "non-emergency" diplomatic personnel to leave Tunisia and Sudan in the wake of violent protests that claimed four lives in Tunis and two in Khartoum, AFP reports. "Given the security situation in Tunis and Khartoum, the State Department has ordered the departure of all family members and non-emergency personnel from both posts" and warned US citizens to stay out of both countries, said the State Department in a statement.

The State Department also advised Americans in both countries to vary travel times, keep passports and visas up to date, and avoid political rallies and public demonstrations, even ones that seem peaceful. The warning noted that Sudan had made "some steps" in curbing extremism, but "elements of these groups remain." Tunisian officials have threatened to punish everyone who attacked the US embassy yesterday. (More Tunisia stories.)