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The Zambian Government has begun preparations to evacuate its citizens caught up in the ongoing escalation in the Middle East.
The Middle East was thrown into a regional crisis, which has gone on to impact the rest of the world, when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Saturday, killing its former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khameini.
Iran also launched reprisal attacks against US bases in Gulf countries, triggering airspace closures and flight suspensions. Immigrants who have been stranded have been appealing to their governments for prompt evacuation.
Zambian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe, in a statement, said efforts are underway to rescue Zambians in the Middle East.
“Through coordinated engagements between our mission in Cairo and Ankara, preparations are underway to facilitate safe transit through the nearest viable corridor, subject to prevailing security assessments,” said Haimbe.
The minister, however, noted that the Zambian government has not received any reports of injury or loss of life involving any Zambian nationals. Haimbe also instructed Zambian embassies in the Middle East to update and confirm the registers of Zambians, maintain constant communication with citizens, and submit scenario-based, costed evacuation plans.
Airlines began operating restricted schedules and repatriation flights to help stranded passengers leave the region. But there are limited commercial flights out of the region.
The South African Government advised its citizens in the region to take advantage of the commercial flights that have resumed operations and also to consider land border crossings with Jordan and Egypt as a primary evacuation route.
