US Government Helps Evacuate Citizens from the Middle East

JAKARTA - The US State Department on Tuesday helped its citizens leave the Middle East to return home, calling it a "historic action."

"The department facilitates charter flights and will continue to seek additional capacity as long as security conditions allow. In countries that still have commercial flights, the department is actively helping US citizens book tickets," the statement said, quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu, Tuesday, April 21.

For US citizens in countries that do not have commercial flights, the department is helping to arrange travel to other countries when possible, including expanding ground transportation options for US citizens who want to leave Israel.

"The department responds to calls from US citizens in the Middle East and continues to provide travel options for those who want to leave. The department will also exempt legal obligations that require American citizens to reimburse the government for travel costs," he continued.

Regional tensions have increased after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on February 28. In response, Tehran attacked Israel and other countries in the region that host US assets.

Pakistan hosted the first round of peace talks on April 11 after brokering a two-week ceasefire on April 8. The deal is scheduled to expire on Wednesday.

The second round of negotiations is expected to take place this week, which will also take place in Islamabad.