Kerry promises return for evacuated U.S. embassy in Libya

Violence is reaching a breaking point in Libya.

Clashes between rival militias have become so intense that the U.S. has suspended diplomatic activities at its embassy in Tripoli.

The State Department evacuated its staff to Tunisia Saturday morning.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said it is only temporary.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE, JOHN KERRY, SPEAKING ABOUT THE EVACUATION OF THE US EMBASSY IN TRIPOLI, SAYING:

"We will return the moment the security situation permits us to do so, but given the situation, as with Turkey, I think they moved some 700 people or so out, I want to take every precaution to protect our folks."

Rocket, cannon and artillery fire has echoed throughout the city with clashes taking place near the U.S. embassy compound.

Security on the ground is a sensitive issue for the U.S.

A September 2012 attack on its mission in Benghazi killed the ambassador, Chris Stevens, and three other Americans.