The U.S. State Department says it has flown more than a dozen charter flights and evacuated thousands of Americans from the Middle East since last week. The moves come after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian responses that led to airspace closures in parts of the region. Officials say they are expanding both air and ground transport operations where security conditions permit to help U.S. citizens depart safely.
Thousands of Americans Evacuated From Middle East as U.S. Expands Charter Flights
The seal of the United States Department of State is seen in Washington, U.S., January 26, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts
The U.S. State Department said on Saturday that it has completed more than a dozen charter flights and evacuated thousands of American citizens from the Middle East since last week.
The evacuations follow a series of strikes and counterstrikes in the region that have disrupted commercial travel and prompted temporary airspace closures. U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran were reported last Saturday, and Iranian responses, including attacks on neighboring countries, have complicated departures for civilians.
State Department response: Officials said they are stepping up both charter flight and ground-transport operations where security conditions permit. The operations aim to help U.S. citizens depart safely and to provide options when commercial routes are limited or unavailable.
Some critics have faulted the Trump administration’s early planning and initial assistance for U.S. nationals trying to leave the region. State Department officials say they are adjusting logistics and increasing support in response to evolving security conditions.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and coordinate with partners to facilitate additional departures as conditions allow.
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