03.03.2026 02:10
Following the operations carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran, the escalating security crisis in the Middle East and the closure of airspaces have left thousands of foreign tourists stranded in the region. In response to the chaos, Germany announced that it has launched a comprehensive operation to safely evacuate its citizens from the area. It is estimated that there are at least 10,000 German citizens in the region.
After the attacks carried out by the US in conjunction with Israel against Iran, the increasing security risk in the Middle East and the closed airspaces have left thousands of foreign tourists stranded in the region. Germany has implemented a comprehensive evacuation plan to safely bring its citizens back to their country.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul held a crisis meeting with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in Berlin. Wadephul stated that the safety of German citizens in the region is the "highest priority" and explained the details of the evacuation process.
EVACUATION POINTS: RIYADH AND MUSCAT
Minister Wadephul expressed that due to the closed airspaces, German citizens will primarily be directed to safe countries by land. The capitals of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, and Oman, Muscat, have been designated as the centers for the evacuation operation. Additionally, crisis support teams have been sent to Muscat, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.
It has been reported that the elderly, pregnant women, and children will be given priority during the evacuation process.
"IF CIVIL AIRCRAFT ARE INSUFFICIENT, THE MILITARY WILL INTERVENE"
Wadephul stated that the German government is working in coordination with private airline companies and the travel sector, and mentioned that if civil options are insufficient, the military option will be considered:
"In the second phase, our plan is to carry out the process with the travel sector. However, if all of this is not sufficient, we will resort to the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) if necessary."
10 THOUSAND GERMAN CITIZENS IN THE REGION
The German Foreign Ministry estimates that there are at least 10,000 German citizens in the Middle East. However, according to reservation data from the German Travel Agents Association, this number is believed to be approaching 30,000.