Sudan has expressed regret that the US State Department warned Americans about traveling to Sudan and visiting conflict areas due to alleged risks of terrorism, days after Washington lifted a trade embargo imposed on Khartoum as a result of increased cooperation with US intelligence agencies in combating terrorism.
“The warning is contradictory to all the appreciation offered by senior US officials for Sudan's efforts in combating terrorism," Sudan’s foreign ministry said Friday.
The State Department has said that US citizens should avoid all travel to the five Darfur states, and to the states of Blue Nile and South Kordofan.
It said Americans should also "consider carefully before planning travel to other areas of Sudan due to the risks of terrorism, armed conflict and violent crime".
"Terrorist groups are present in Sudan and have stated their intent to harm Westerners and Western interests through suicide operations, bombings, shootings and kidnappings," the advisory said.
"Violent crimes targeting Westerners, including kidnappings, armed robberies, home invasions, and carjacking can occur anywhere in Sudan,” it added.
Earlier this month, Washington lifted its 20-year-old trade embargo imposed on Khartoum, citing Sudan's increased cooperation with US intelligence agencies in combating terror.
