News24 | SA government urges citizens to evacuate Middle East, heavy attacks expected to persist

A view of Tehran with smoke visible in the distance after explosions were reported in the Iranian city.

• Dirco has urged South Africans in the Middle East to evacuate immediately, using limited commercial flights, as heavy attacks are expected to continue.
• More than 6 400 South Africans have registered their presence in the region, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
• Emergency contact lines and consular support have been made available for citizens facing difficulties during the evacuation process. 

The South African government has issued an urgent call for its citizens currently in the Middle East for non-essential travel to evacuate the conflict-stricken region, as heavy attacks are expected to continue.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) on Wednesday advised South African citizens in the region to take advantage of the limited commercial flights that have resumed to evacuate affected cities and countries.

In a statement, the department noted a significant increase in registrations by South Africans on the Travel Smart system, with over 6 400 citizens in the region registering their presence as of Wednesday.

“We urge all citizens to note that several airlines have resumed limited commercial flights out of the region,” the statement read.

“Citizens are strongly encouraged to take immediate advantage of this opportunity to leave as heavy attacks are regrettably expected to continue in the coming days. Your safety is our paramount concern.”

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The department also strongly discouraged all non-essential travel to the region at this time.

The recent escalation in the Middle East has drawn global attention, with tensions between Israel, Iran and the United States playing a central role.

The conflict has been marked by a series of military strikes and retaliatory attacks, leading to significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction.

South Africans experiencing difficulties with the evacuation process or requiring urgent consular support can contact the following lines or officials:

Emergency Consular Support

• Mr Litha Ngwanya: +972 50-520-8100 | Email: ngwanyaa@dirco.gov.za
• Ms Lizelle Segev: +972 54-588-0698 | Email: segevl@dirco.gov.za

“South Africa takes this opportunity to reiterate its firm call on all parties to the conflict to exercise maximum restraint and to act in a manner consistent with international law, international humanitarian law and the principles of the United Nations Charter,” the statement said.