Obama: 200 US forces in Uganda to help in South Sudan

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama has notified Congress that about 200 U.S. forces are in Uganda waiting to be sent to South Sudan, if needed.

Obama had told lawmakers Wednesday that he sent 47 U.S. troops to South Sudan amid renewed fighting there, with another 130 U.S. forces waiting in nearby Djibouti (jih-BOO’-tee).

In an update Friday, Obama says the U.S. forces in Djibouti are now in Uganda. He also upped the number of troops awaiting possible deployment to South Sudan to about 200.

Obama says “it is not possible to know” the scope and duration of the deployments needed to protect U.S. citizens and property in South Sudan.

Renewed fighting between opposing army forces has raised fears of a renewed civil war in South Sudan.

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