Blinken speaks with Sudan prime minister after his release

Secretary of State Tony Blinken spoke on the phone on Tuesday evening with Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok after the military released him from custody.

Why it matters: Hamdok’s release was a result of pressure on Sudan’s military leader General Abdul Fattah al-Burhan from the U.S. and other countries but also from the different political parties in Sudan and massive protests in the streets.

Driving the news: During Monday's military takeover, Sudanese soldiers placed Hamdok under house arrest, but later took him to a different location to prevent him from making public statements.

• Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan claimed on Tuesday that Hamdok — who disappeared from public view after the coup — was a "guest" at his home and was brought there for his own protection.
• Several hours after Burhan's statement, Hamdok was released with his wife back to his house, although it's unclear whether the military will allow him to leave.
• Blinken told Hamdok during their call that the Sudanese military must release all civilian leaders in detention and to ensure their safety.

What they're saying: "The Secretary emphasized U.S. support for the civilian-led transition to democracy and for a return to the principles of Sudan’s transitional framework," the State Department said in a statement.