Statement from Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson on Ensuring the Safety of American Citizens in the Middle East

Since February 28, nearly 20,000 American citizens have safely returned to the United States from the Middle East.

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.

At the direction of Secretary Rubio, Department of State charter flight and ground transportation operations are underway and will continue to ramp up with additional flights and ground transports taking place today.

The Department has established a Crisis Intake Form for American citizens in Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.

By completing this form, American citizens in those countries will directly receive information about upcoming charter aviation and ground transportation options.

Through the State Department’s 24/7 Task Force, we have assisted over 10,000 Americans abroad, including offering security guidance and travel assistance.

The State Department will continue to actively assist any American citizen abroad, who wishes to depart the Middle East, to do so.

Americans in the Middle East who need assistance can call the U.S. Department of State, 24/7, at +1-202-501-4444.