Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States intends to attempt another evacuation of staffers from South Sudan.

The administration of President Barack Obama has ordered plans to evacuate staffers and other Americans from South Sudan.

Officials acknowledged a failed attempt by the U.S. military on Dec. 21, in which three U.S. aircraft were struck by ground fire.

“We are repositioning our forces in the area of concern,” Defense Department spokesman Steven Warren said.

In a briefing on Dec. 23, Warren said the U.S. military was redeploying aircraft and ground forces to assist the evacuation from South Sudan, torn by a revolt that has spread throughout the new state.

So far, about 380 Americans were flown out of South Sudan, with 30 nationals left at the U.S. embassy in Juba.

“The secretary of defense has been following this situation very closely,” Warren said.

Officials said the State Department was concerned that rebel forces would attack the U.S. embassy. They said a 47-member military team arrived to reinforce the embassy compound.

The Pentagon has overseen efforts to fly air transports and helicopters
to evacuate Americans from South Sudan. Officials said the mission would
include the V-22 Osprey, designed to transport 150 people.

On Dec. 21, four V-22s were forced to abort their mission to South Sudan
because of ground fire. Four members of the U.S. Navy special operations
forces were reported injured in an incident that sparked threats by the
administration.

  Juba, Steven Warren, U.S. plans to evacuate S. Sudan staffers after failed first attempt, V-22 Osprey