Last week, a deadly clash between factions in South Sudan’s Unity Government resulted in the death of over 300 hundred people, soldiers, civilians, and peacekeepers, as they got caught in the crossfire of artilleries; mortar, tanks and machine-gun fire between the opposing forces.

In reaction to the chaos, on Tuesday, the United States deployed over 40 troops to the troubled country to bolster security at the American Embassy. The troops, most likely “a contingent from the U.S. Marine Corps’ Crisis-Response force based out of Morón, Spain,” according to the Washington Post, are tasked with protecting citizens and personnel of the US working in South Sudan, and every asset of the US in the country.

In a letter addressed to Congress, President Obama said another 130 US troops are positioned in Djibouti, ready to be sent in to South Sudan if the need arises. He also stated that the troops already deployed are combat-ready and will remain in Juba until the security situation improves.

The US will also be evacuating its citizens and Third Country Nationals in the coming days, starting today, and has already provided two charter flights for this purpose. The announcement, made both on the US Embassy site and on Facebook, also implored US citizens to remain vigilant when moving about the city of Juba.

A statement release on Tuesday by the American Embassy in South Sudan reads:

“… The U.S. government brought assets in to Juba on July 12 to implement the decision for a reduction in embassy staff (known as an “ordered departure”) and to provide support to conduct a safe and orderly departure of private American citizens and Third Country Nationals as needed over the coming days.  The embassy is not evacuating. Planning for departures is underway and the Embassy will update as appropriate. Due to ongoing security concerns, please remain vigilant when moving about the city …”

Meanwhile, South Sudan’s government has called on Nigeria to come to her aid in restoring peace in the country. Ambassador Riek Puok Riek, head of South Sudan’s embassy in Nigeria, made this request yesterday in Abuja, while meeting with members of the press.