Washington: Nearly 20,000 American citizens have safely returned to the US from the Middle East since February 28, the State Department announced on Thursday. Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson noted that this figure excludes Americans who have relocated to other countries or those who are still in transit back to the US.

According to Anadolu Agency, the State Department is actively coordinating additional charter flights and ground transport operations to assist remaining citizens. Furthermore, it has implemented a crisis intake form designed for American citizens in Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. This form will provide updates on potential charter aviation and ground transportation options for those still in the region.

Tensions have escalated in the Middle East following the onset of US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran beginning February 28. These strikes have resulted in the death of over 900 people, including Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and at least 165 schoolgirls, as reported by Iranian authorities. In response, Iran has launched drone and missile attacks targeting US-linked sites across Gulf countries, resulting in the deaths of at least six US service members and injuries to several others.