Non-Essential US Embassy Personnel Ordered Out of Tunisia, Sudan

The U.S. Embassy, Tunis. State Dept.(WASHINGTON) -- With much uncertainty still prevalent in the Muslim world, the State Department ordered all non-essential U.S government personnel to leave the American embassies in Tunisia and Sudan.

The order came after a week of violent protests in these countries and around the world over an anti-Islam film produced by an Arab Christian in the U.S.

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said, "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 issued parallel travel warnings to American citizens."

Nuland also recommended that all Americans postpone any travel plans to Tunisia and Sudan until further notice.

Tunisia is where the so-called Arab spring began in early 2011 when demonstrators forced the removal of its leader. Until last week, there appeared to be no anti-U.S. sentiment there until protesters breached the security of the American Embassy in Tunis destroying cars and the entrance to the building.

In Sudan, meanwhile, the State Department said the terrorist threat level remains "critical" despite assurances by the government that it could handle terrorist activities.

The Sudanese government doesn't want a small contingent of Marines sent to protect the embassy and the U.S. is holding off on deploying them for the moment.

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