US Launches Evacuation Operations Using Aircraft and Ships
Many European Nationals Safely Returned Home
As the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, governments around the world are making every effort to evacuate their citizens. They are mobilizing all possible routes, including buses, airplanes, and even cruise ships. On the 19th (local time), Yonhap News, citing AFP and other sources, reported that countries including the United States are launching evacuation operations for their citizens in preparation for possible casualties.
Bulgaria also evacuated 148 people on the 18th using a commercial flight. Among them, 89 were Bulgarian nationals, and 59 were nationals of other countries such as Slovenia, the United States, and Belgium. AP·Yonhap News
First, the United States has been conducting evacuation operations using aircraft and ships since the previous day. Michael Huckabee, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, announced on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on the 19th, in a notice addressed to "U.S. citizens wishing to evacuate Israel," that "military aircraft, commercial flights, chartered planes, and cruise ships are being secured for evacuation." Ambassador Huckabee introduced a web address leading to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) registration page and emphasized, "Register your name on the list, and if a seat becomes available, take it."
European countries have already succeeded in returning a significant number of their citizens safely home. According to the Czech Ministry of Defense, the Czech Republic, together with Slovakia, evacuated 181 nationals of both countries from Israel. They traveled by bus from Israel to a neighboring country's border and then crossed the border on foot. For security reasons, the countries they transited were not disclosed.
Bulgaria also evacuated 148 people on the 18th using a commercial flight. Among them, 89 were Bulgarian nationals, and 59 were nationals of other countries such as Slovenia, the United States, and Belgium. Germany arranged flights via Jordan on the 18th and 19th, while Italy decided to operate a chartered flight from Israel to its home country via Egypt on the 22nd. The fare for the Italian chartered flight was set at 500 euros (approximately 800,000 won) per person.
Greece evacuated 105 people, including its own nationals, from Israel using three military aircraft, including C-130 transport planes operated by its air force. From the air force base to downtown Athens, they were transported by bus. Evacuation operations are also underway in Iran. Hungary evacuated 21 of its nationals who had been staying in Iran; most of the evacuees were diplomats and their families. They reportedly transited through Azerbaijan. Mexico also moved 18 of its nationals who had been staying in Iran to Azerbaijan. According to AFP, the evacuees were Mexican nationals and their families.
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