German air force evacuating citizens from South Sudan

BERLIN – Germany says its air force is evacuating German, European and other foreign citizens from South Sudan.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Sawsan Chebli wouldn't give further details Wednesday of the operation, citing security reasons.

Chebli said in Berlin officials had examined over recent days how roughly 100 German citizens remaining in South Sudan could leave the country safely.

She said that "German, European and international citizens" will be evacuated but said she couldn't detail the nationalities of non-Germans who will be taken out.

Commercial flights to and from South Sudan's capital, Juba, have been canceled after fighting flared in the country, though charter flights have been evacuating aid workers and other foreign citizens.