WASHINGTON, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department has ordered the evacuation of nonessential diplomats and their families, and advised other American citizens to leave East Timor amid worsening turmoil in the island country.

    "Due to the current security situation all non-emergency American employees of the U.S. embassy in Dili have been ordered to depart East Timor," the U.S. State Department said in a travel warning issued late on Tuesday.

    "American citizens are urged to defer travel to East Timor, and those already in the country should consider departing," the State Department said.

    East Timor has been plagued by unrest since nearly 600 soldiers were sacked earlier this year. At least two people have been reportedly killed and nine others wounded during clashes in the past two days.

    Australia and Portugal agreed to send troops to East Timor on Wednesday after receiving a request for assistance from East Timor. Enditem