US arranges charter flights to evacuate citizens from Middle East

The US has begun arranging charter flights to evacuate its citizens from the Middle East as regional tensions continue to escalate.

According to the US State Department, a government-chartered flight carrying American citizens departed the Middle East for the US, while additional evacuation flights are being organized from various locations across the region. 

Officials, however, did not disclose the number of passengers on board or the exact departure and arrival points of the flight.

According to the State Department, more than 17,500 Americans have returned to the US from the Middle East since February 28, when US and Israeli forces launched initial strikes on Iran. Nearly 8,500 citizens returned on Tuesday alone, reflecting a rapid increase in departures as security concerns intensified.

Moreover, many other US citizens have also left the region for destinations in Europe and Asia, officials said. 

Meanwhile, thousands remain in transit amid ongoing disruptions to global air travel. 

The US government said it is facilitating charter flights from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan for citizens seeking assistance, while also helping travelers secure commercial bookings where possible.