President Obama notified Congress Wednesday that he has deployed more than 200 U.S. troops to South Sudan to protect U.S. embassy staff who are facing a “deteriorating security situation.”
The first 47 troops arrived in Juba, South Sudan, Tuesday “to support the security of U.S. personnel, and our embassy,” supported by military aircraft, Mr. Obama said, invoking the War Powers resolution.
The president said the troops are equipped for combat but were deployed “for the purpose of protecting U.S. citizens and property.”
Additional troops, including about 130 military personnel currently pre-positioned in Djibouti, are “prepared to provide support, as necessary,” he said.
Several countries are evacuating their citizens from South Sudan following days of fighting in which hundreds of people were killed.
A cease-fire between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and others following Vice President Riek Machar is holding for a second day in Juba.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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