Evacuation amid rising tensions
At least twelve American diplomats and intelligence personnel were evacuated from Iraq via a Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft, according to GB News, amid growing regional tensions and attacks involving drones and missiles.
Initial delays at Erbil airport
The US State Department staff, contractors, and intelligence officers were first transported by bus from the US consulate in Erbil to the city’s airport for evacuation. Sources cited by the report noted that the planned operation did not proceed as scheduled, leaving the group stranded on the runway for several hours without a clear plan for departure.
British forces intervene
The stranded Americans reportedly contacted nearby British military personnel, who offered transport on an RAF A400M Atlas military aircraft. The A400M Atlas is used for both strategic and tactical airlift missions and routinely operates flights between Cyprus and the Kurdish region of Iraq to support regional operations.
The group was ultimately flown to a British military base in Cyprus.
Frustration over multiple delays
According to a Middle East security source cited by the report, the American officials were reportedly frustrated, feeling “abandoned twice.” Even after arriving at the British base in Cyprus, no immediate plan was in place for further transport.
The incident occurred amid heightened military tensions in the Middle East, with ongoing drone and missile attacks in various parts of the region. Reports link these developments to escalations involving Iran and increased military activity across the area.
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