KUWAIT: The first group of Kuwaiti citizens evacuated from Iran arrived safely in Kuwait early Saturday morning, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues its full-scale emergency plan to secure the return of nationals stranded in the neighboring country. The flight, operated directly by Kuwait Airways, landed at Terminal 4 of Kuwait International Airport just after midnight, carrying 334 Kuwaiti men and women. The passengers had been transported overland to the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, where they boarded the evacuation flight.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah received the returnees at the airport. The evacuation is part of Kuwait’s proactive strategy to protect its people in light of the escalating conflict between Iran and the Zionist entity, who have traded missiles for nine days. No injuries have been reported among Kuwaiti nationals in Iran since the start of Zionist airstrikes last week, which have killed at least 430 people according to Iranian authorities.
“We thank the governments of Iran and Turkmenistan for facilitating the safe transfer of our citizens,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
Dozens of relieved family members waited atthe terminal, welcoming their loved ones with tears, prayers, and flower bouquets. Some children wore t-shirts with photos of family members and a message that read, “Welcome home. Your return has brightened our lives.”
Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya confirmed the arrival, noting that two more evacuation flights are scheduled — the second later Saturday and the third on Sunday. He stressed that all efforts are being made to complete the evacuation quickly and safely.
Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Sameeh Hayat previously stated that more than 1,000 Kuwaitis are expected to be evacuated, many of them visiting Iran. “Kuwait gives top priority to the safety of its citizens abroad, especially under current circumstances,” Al-Yahya said in a statement last week.
“We began identifying citizens in Tehran, then in Mashhad and Qom. We have contacted all Kuwaitis in these cities, recorded their numbers, and began evacuating them at the earliest opportunity and from the closest crossing points.” — Agencies
Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah receives evacuees at Kuwait International Airport (T4). — KUNA
Children wearing t-shirts with photos of their loved ones and the message “Welcome home. Your return has brightened our lives” wait for evacuees, as security personnel look on.
