The US has deployed 46 additional military personnel in S Sudan and may take further military action to support the security of its citizens in the violence-wracked country, President Barack Obama has said.        

"As I monitor the situation in South Sudan, I may take further action to support the security of US citizens, personnel, and property, including our Embassy, in South Sudan," Obama said in a communique to the Congress as released by the White House.        

Obama said on December 21, 46 US military personnel deployed by military aircraft to the area of Bor, South Sudan, to conduct an operation to evacuate US citizens and personnel.        

After the aircraft came under fire as they approached Bor, the operation was curtailed due to security considerations, and the aircraft and all military personnel onboard departed South Sudan without completing the evacuation, he said adding that the purpose of this operation was to protect US citizens, personnel, and property.        

Obama said this action has been directed consistent with his responsibility to protect US citizens both at home and abroad, and in furtherance of US national security and foreign policy interests.        

Earlier in the day, Obama, who is spending his year end vacation in Hawaii, was updated on the situation in South Sudan.