BY MIRABLE ODETA
The U.S. State Department said on Wednesday that a U.S. government charter flight was transporting American citizens back to the United States from the Middle East, with additional evacuation flights being arranged from several locations across the region.
Officials did not disclose specific details about the flight, including how many passengers were on board, the exact country of departure, or the scheduled departure and arrival times. The lack of details reflects the rapidly evolving security situation in the region as military tensions continue to escalate.
According to the State Department, more than 17,500 Americans have already returned to the United States from the Middle East since February 28, when the United States and Israel began launching military strikes against Iran. Officials noted that approximately 8,500 of those Americans returned on Tuesday alone, marking one of the largest single-day movements since the conflict began.
In addition to those returning directly to the United States, many other American citizens have left the Middle East for safer destinations across Europe and Asia, the department added.
Earlier in the week, the State Department issued an urgent advisory urging U.S. citizens in 14 Middle Eastern countries to leave the region immediately using any available commercial transportation options. However, the department acknowledged that many Americans have encountered significant challenges attempting to leave, largely due to widespread disruptions in international air travel caused by the ongoing conflict.
The evacuation effort has sparked criticism from some members of the U.S. Congress, who accused the State Department of failing to prepare adequately and of issuing warnings too late to allow citizens sufficient time to depart safely.
Responding to those concerns, the department said it has stepped up efforts to assist Americans by organizing and facilitating charter evacuation flights. These flights are being arranged from key regional hubs including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.
Officials said the charter flights are intended to help U.S. citizens who are unable to secure commercial flights as airlines continue to cancel or reroute services due to the unstable security environment.
The State Department indicated that it will continue coordinating evacuation efforts and monitoring conditions across the region as the conflict unfolds, while encouraging Americans who remain in affected areas to stay in contact with U.S. embassies and consulates for updated guidance and assistance.