Over 200 South Koreans return home on military aircraft from Middle East

By Han Jun-gu Posted : March 16, 2026, 18:01 Updated : March 16, 2026, 18:01
South Korean nationals arrive at a military base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province on March 15, 2026. Yonhap
SEOUL, March 16 (AJP) - Some 204 South Korean nationals residing in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries returned home on a military transport aircraft on Sunday.

Amid the prolonged Middle East conflict, which began with U.S.-led airstrikes on Iran late last month, the South Korean government launched an evacuation mission, dubbed "Operation Desert Shine," to ensure the safe return of its nationals.

A multipurpose transport aircraft flew to Saudi Arabia to evacuate citizens from the region, 142 from Saudi Arabia, 24 from Bahrain, 14 from Kuwait, and 28 from Lebanon. The plane took off from Riyadh, the Saudi capital, the previous day carrying a total of 211 people, including 204 South Korean nationals, five of their foreign family members, and two Japanese nationals.

They arrived at a military air base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, around 6 p.m.
 
South Korean nationals arrive at a military base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province on March 15, 2026. Yonhap
South Korean nationals arrive at a military base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province on March 15, 2026. Yonhap

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