NewKerala.com

24,000 Americans Evacuated from Middle East Amid Rising Regional Tensions

The U.S. State Department has confirmed the safe return of nearly 24,000 American citizens from the Middle East since late February. Officials are actively contacting citizens in the region to offer transportation support, including charter flights and ground travel. While commercial flight availability is improving, the department's 24-hour crisis team continues to assist thousands more who require help departing. Americans in several countries are urged to register for assistance through the department's emergency systems.

Key Points: US Evacuates 24,000 Americans from Middle East

  • Mass evacuation of US citizens
  • State Department providing charter flights
  • Commercial travel options improving
  • 24/7 crisis team assisting thousands
3 min read

24,000 Americans leave the Middle East amid tensions

The State Department confirms nearly 24,000 US citizens have safely returned home from the Middle East since late February amid security concerns.

"Since February 28, nearly 24,000 American citizens have safely returned to the United States from the Middle East. - Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson"

Washington, March 6

Nearly 24,000 American citizens have safely returned to the United States from the Middle East since late February, the US State Department said on Friday, as Washington continues efforts to assist Americans seeking to leave the region amid heightened security concerns.

Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson said the number reflects only those who have already arrived in the United States and does not include Americans who have relocated to other countries or those still travelling home.

"Since February 28, nearly 24,000 American citizens have safely returned to the United States from the Middle East," Johnson said. The State Department said it continues to actively contact US citizens in the region and offer transportation support, including charter flights and ground travel assistance.

"The Department continues to proactively call American citizens to offer charter flight or ground transport travel assistance," Johnson said.

Several charter flights have already transported hundreds of Americans back to the United States, with more flights expected in the coming days, depending on security conditions on the ground.

"Several flights have safely returned hundreds of Americans to the United States with additional flights scheduled to take place over the coming days, as security conditions allow," a statement said.

At the same time, officials noted that commercial travel options across much of the Middle East are gradually becoming more available. "Commercial flight availability across the region continues to improve with commercial options available in most of the region," Johnson said.

The State Department urged Americans still in the region who require assistance to register through an emergency system so they can receive updates on available transportation.

American citizens in Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Israel who need travel support have been asked to complete a Crisis Intake Form. The department said its 24-hour crisis response team has been working continuously to assist Americans across the region.

"Through the State Department's 24/7 Task Force, we have directly assisted nearly 13,000 Americans abroad, offering security guidance and travel assistance," Johnson said.

Officials also emphasised that Washington will continue to help Americans who wish to leave the Middle East. "The State Department will continue to actively assist any American citizen who wishes to depart the Middle East, to do so," Johnson said.

The department said Americans requiring help can contact the State Department at any time through its emergency hotline. "Americans in the Middle East who need assistance can call the U.S. Department of State, 24/7, at +1-202-501-4444," the statement said.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
24,000 is a huge number! The US has the resources to do this, but what about the millions of Indian expats in the Gulf? Our government should have a robust, publicly known evacuation plan on standby. We've done it before during the Kuwait war, but times have changed.
A
Aman W
The Middle East is a tinderbox right now. While the US focuses on its citizens, the real suffering is of the local populations caught in conflicts. Our foreign policy should prioritize diplomacy and de-escalation for the sake of regional stability, which directly impacts our energy security and diaspora.
S
Sarah B
A well-coordinated effort. The 24/7 task force and clear communication channels are key. Hope commercial flights remain an option for those who don't need immediate evacuation. Safety first! ✈️
V
Vikram M
This is a sobering read. My cousin works in Doha. While he's safe for now, the fact that a major power is evacuating thousands signals how serious things might get. The MEA's advisories have been cautious, but I hope they are monitoring this very closely.
K
Karthik V
A respectful criticism: The article only covers the American side. It would be more valuable for Indian readers to have some analysis on what this means for the region's stability and how it impacts India's interests—from oil prices to the safety of our large community there.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50