The U.S. State Department announced Saturday that it has successfully carried out more than a dozen charter flights, bringing thousands of American citizens home from the Middle East over the past week.
The evacuation operations began following military strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces against Iran that started last Saturday. Iran’s retaliatory attacks on surrounding nations led to widespread airspace shutdowns, stranding American travelers in the region.
Critics have questioned the Trump administration’s preparedness and early response in assisting U.S. citizens seeking to leave the area during the escalating conflict.
According to the State Department, officials are working to expand both charter flight services and ground transportation options throughout the region, with operations continuing as security circumstances permit.
