Trump says US moving ‘thousands’ of Americans out of Middle East as 13,000 get assistance

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said on Friday, March 6, the United States is moving thousands of Americans out of countries across the Middle East as tensions in the region continue to disrupt travel and raise security concerns.

The president said the process is being carried out quietly by US officials while the government works to help citizens return home safely.

US officials say tens of thousands of Americans have already left the region since the conflict escalated.

The State Department has also provided travel support and security guidance to thousands more who remain in the area and are seeking to depart.

Trump says departures from Middle East happening ‘quietly’

Trump said the United States is helping facilitate the departure of Americans from multiple countries across the Middle East and described the process as organized and effective. 

Posting on Truth Social, Trump said US agencies were coordinating efforts to help Americans relocate safely.

“We are moving thousands of people out of various countries throughout the Middle East,” he wrote. “It is being done quietly, but seamlessly. The State Department, under Secretary Marco Rubio, is doing a great job!”

The effort is being overseen by the US State Department led by Marco Rubio, which has been coordinating travel assistance and security guidance for citizens across the region.

According to the department, nearly 24,000 Americans have already returned to the United States since the conflict began.

Officials say the number is expected to continue rising as more travelers make arrangements to leave.

Dylan Johnson said the government’s task force has been operating around the clock to assist citizens abroad.

“These figures do not include the many Americans who have safely relocated to other countries or those who have departed the Middle East but are still in transit back to the United States,” Johnson said.

He added that the State Department would continue to support Americans who wish to leave the region through charter flights, ground transportation assistance and security advisories.

Despite the ongoing efforts, the administration has faced criticism from some lawmakers and travelers who argue that evacuation planning should have begun earlier, particularly after the United States launched strikes against Iran that heightened regional tensions.

State Department says nearly 13,000 Americans directly assisted

US officials say the government has already provided direct assistance to thousands of Americans attempting to leave the Middle East, although many have also departed independently.

Johnson said the State Department has “directly assisted” nearly 13,000 Americans through its 24-hour task force, offering security guidance and helping coordinate travel arrangements.

“Through the State Department's 24/7 Task Force, we have directly assisted nearly 13,000 Americans abroad, offering security guidance and travel assistance,” Johnson said.

The department has asked Americans currently in several countries across the region, including Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Israel, to submit a crisis intake form so officials can track their locations and provide assistance if needed.