Türkiye’s global rescue efforts: Over 115,000 evacuated from crisis zones across 3 continents
Civilians, the majority of whom are Turkish citizens, including the elderly, disabled, and children, are being evacuated from Lebanon by amphibious ship TCG Bayraktar belonging to the Turkish Naval Forces Command, Beirut port in Lebanon, October 09, 2024. (AA Photo)
Türkiye’s swift and effective evacuation efforts have set a global standard for citizen protection, ensuring that no Turkish national is left behind in crisis areas.
Amid escalating Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, Türkiye successfully evacuated 966 of its citizens. Two Turkish military vessels, the TCG Bayraktar and TCG Sancaktar, safely transported the evacuees, including children, back home, marking another successful rescue operation.
In the past four years, Türkiye has evacuated over 115,000 citizens from conflict, disaster and pandemic zones across three continents.
The nation has proven its efficiency in swiftly repatriating citizens, often being the first to do so. Whether in war zones or natural disasters, Türkiye ensures the safety and swift return of its people.
First to act in major global crises
Türkiye’s recent rescue operations have spanned the globe, from the Russia-Ukraine war to the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
It has consistently been the first country to initiate evacuation efforts, securing the safe return of its citizens.
First country to evacuate citizens from Wuhan
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Türkiye emerged as one of the first nations to evacuate its citizens from Wuhan, China – the virus’s initial epicenter.
By January 2020, Türkiye had evacuated hundreds from the Chinese city and eventually facilitated the return of around 95,000 Turkish nationals from 131 countries during the pandemic.
Flying fortress: Evacuating from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan
When the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, in 2021, Türkiye launched a daring evacuation operation. Using the A400 M transport plane, nicknamed the ‘Flying Fortress,’ over 200 Turkish citizens were brought home.
A total of 1,061 Turkish nationals were eventually evacuated, alongside 343 others who were stranded in Afghanistan at the time.
Escaping Ukraine conflict by train
In February 2022, Türkiye was one of the first countries to evacuate its citizens from the Russia-Ukraine war.
Through a special corridor, over 15,000 Turkish citizens were safely transported back from the conflict zone via Romania and Bulgaria.
Rescuing 1,387 from heart of Sudan
As Sudan descended into chaos during the May 2023 conflict between the army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Türkiye stepped in once again.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly mobilized an evacuation operation, rescuing 1,961 Turkish citizens. Alongside its own citizens, Türkiye also assisted in the evacuation of 426 foreign nationals.
Creating lifeline from Gaza
During Israel’s assault on Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, Türkiye executed another impressive operation. Nearly 2,456 Turkish citizens were safely evacuated from the war-torn region via the Rafah border crossing, exemplifying Türkiye’s commitment to leaving no citizen behind, regardless of the danger.
Türkiye has emerged as a global leader in crisis response, showcasing its exceptional ability to protect its citizens across continents. In times of war, disaster, or pandemic, Türkiye’s swift actions have ensured the safe return of over 115,000 nationals.
The nation’s commitment to its citizens, no matter where they are in the world, continues to set a benchmark for global rescue operations.
