Obama warns S. Sudan as Americans flee

President Obama said Sunday that he “may take further action’’ to protect Americans and the U.S. Embassy in South Sudan.

Obama’s letter to Congress came as American citizens were safely evacuated from a South Sudan city, one day after four U.S. troops were injured when their aircraft drew fire during a failed airlift attempt..

The president said the military aircraft with 46 people aboard came under fire as they approached Bor and departed without completing the mission.

“The purpose of this operation was to protect U.S. citizens, personnel, and property,” the president wrote.

Americans and citizens from other “partner nations” were flown from Bor, the scene of intense fighting for the past week, to the capital of Juba on United Nations and U.S. civilian helicopters, department spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement.

“The United States and the United Nations, which has the lead for securing Bor Airport in South Sudan, took steps to ensure fighting factions were aware these flights were a humanitarian mission,” the statement said. The flights took place in consultation with the embattled South Sudanese government.

About 380 Americans and 300 citizens of other nations have been evacuated to Nairobi and other locations on four chartered flights and five military aircraft, Psaki said. An unknown number of people have left on their own.

“The U.S. government is doing everything possible to ensure the safety and security of United States citizens in South Sudan,” the statement said.

For security reasons, specific plans were not being released, Psaki said.

“We strongly recommend U.S. citizens in South Sudan depart immediately,” the statement said.

The country has been racked by violence for a week after an attempted coup triggered fighting between rival ethnic groups. The violence has killed hundreds and has world leaders worried that a full-blown civil war could ignite in South Sudan.