In April, Sudan and South Sudan slipped close to all-out war with a series of tit-for-tat air raids and ground attacks that prompted the African Union and Security Council to push the two sides to act.

CNN: Sudan and South Sudan sign partial agreement

In response, Gingrich said his attacks were only the initial salvos of an all-out assault on the issue that Romney would face from the Obama campaign if he became the nominee.

CNN: Both sides using Rove's campaign strategy this year

Following those attacks, the State Department ordered all non-essential U.S. personnel and their families out of the country.

CNN: U.S. learns of possible terror plot in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia