Tens of Thousands of Americans Leave Mideast

(MENAFN) More than 40,000 US citizens have returned to the United States from the Middle East since late February, amid rising tensions following coordinated American and Israeli strikes on Iran, according to reports released Tuesday.

An assistant secretary from the State Department stated that authorities have arranged over two dozen charter flights as part of the effort. In addition, officials have directly supported more than 27,000 Americans overseas by providing security advice and help with travel arrangements.

He explained that evacuation efforts are still ongoing. Charter flights and ground transportation continue to operate while commercial flight options across the region slowly begin to recover.

The latest figure represents an increase from the previously reported number of 36,000 individuals who had left the region as of Monday.

"The State Department will continue to actively assist any American citizen who wishes to depart the Middle East, to do so," he said.

The situation intensified after Israel and the United States carried out coordinated strikes against Iran on Feb. 28. According to reports, the attacks have resulted in more than 1,200 deaths so far, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In response, Tehran has launched drone and missile attacks aimed at Israel as well as several Gulf nations that host American military facilities.

Since the start of the conflict, eight US military personnel have also been reported killed.

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