Over 9,000 Americans Have Left the Middle East Since the Start of Military Operations Against Iran
The U.S. Department of State announced on Tuesday that over 9,000 American citizens have left the Middle East since the launch of the military operation against Iran, amid rising tensions and fears over attacks and missile strikes.
In a statement, the department specified that “more than 9,000 American citizens have safely returned from the Middle East in recent days,” including over 300 individuals evacuated from Israel.
### Airlift from Multiple Countries
To facilitate this, an airlift has been organized through special flights departing from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, aimed at easing the return of American nationals in a tense security environment.
Last Monday, the State Department urged American citizens in the entire Middle East to leave the region by air, despite the closure or severe restrictions enforced at several airports.
### Limited Travel Options and Embassy Closures
U.S. authorities indicated that some commercial connections remain available in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Egypt, emphasizing that the U.S. would strive to arrange flights to alternative destinations when possible, including from Israel.
Furthermore, Washington has closed several embassies in the region and recalled non-essential personnel and their families in response to missile strikes and the proliferation of Iranian drones.
### Air Traffic Disruptions
The conflict has led to significant disruptions in air traffic, with nearly 19,000 flights canceled over a four-day period. While some airlines resumed their commercial routes as of Tuesday, air traffic remains significantly limited compared to normal operations.
