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The State Department confirmed Wednesday that more than 43,000 Americans have safely returned from the Middle East since fighting erupted in the region late last month.
According to the department, more than three dozen charter flights have been completed since Israel and the United States launched missile strikes against Iran on Feb. 28. Officials said at least 30,000 Americans have been evacuated from the region with assistance from the State Department.
“HUNDREDS of experienced personnel are working tirelessly to assist Americans in the Middle East looking to depart,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott wrote on X.
“Over 43,000 Americans have safely returned to the United States and [the State Department] has assisted nearly 30,000 through our 24/7 task force,” he added.
Officials said the number of government-chartered evacuation flights is expected to decline as commercial airline service in the region resumes. The department said many Americans who initially requested help ultimately chose not to use the government evacuation flights.
“Most Americans who requested assistance have declined assistance when offered, opting either to remain in country or book commercial flight options,” the State Department said in a news release.
Officials also reminded Americans currently in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates that they can complete a crisis intake form to request assistance with departing the region if needed.
South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace personally traveled to the Middle East to help one South Carolina family escape the region.
“When your people are stranded in a war zone, the only answer worthy of the office, worthy of our state, worthy of our country, is to get them out,” Mace said in a statement.
“They had the people but didn’t have the plane. I jumped in to assist,” Mace said. “Tonight I am grateful. And I will never forget what I saw. What I learned. And the Americans who volunteered and who are serving our nation patriotically tonight.”