How Did 20 South Korean Families Evacuate Iran Amid the Rising Israel-Iran Conflict?

Seoul, June 19 (NationPress) In light of the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, twenty South Korean citizens and their family members have successfully evacuated Iran using a land route and have reached Turkmenistan, according to the foreign ministry. Eighteen South Korean nationals along with two Iranian family members crossed the border into Turkmenistan on Tuesday morning (local time) with transportation arranged by the South Korean government, arriving in the capital, Ashgabat, the following day. The chosen eastern border land route spans approximately 1,200 kilometers and takes about 16 hours to travel by bus without stops, as noted by a ministry official. A rapid response team from Seoul has been deployed to Turkmenistan to support the evacuation initiatives. As of last Friday, around 110 South Koreans were estimated to be in Iran when Israel commenced an offensive against Iranian nuclear and military sites. The official also mentioned that planning is currently in progress for a further evacuation. The government is actively considering measures to ensure the safety of South Korean citizens in the Middle East amid rising tensions following substantial airstrikes between Israel and Iran. "In light of the ongoing military exchanges between both parties this week, increasing concerns for our citizens' safety, and the persistent closure of Iranian airspace, we have opted to assist our nationals in exiting Iran via land routes," the ministry stated. This operation coincides with several countries closing their embassies and facilitating the evacuation of their citizens from the region, either returning home or relocating to neighboring nations, as reported by Yonhap news agency. Additionally, the South Korean government has arranged transportation and support for 23 South Korean nationals to depart Israel via a land route to Jordan. Earlier today, an Iranian ballistic missile struck Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, Israel, causing serious injuries to multiple patients, doctors, and staff as the conflict marked its seventh day. The Israel Foreign Ministry reported on X, stating, "Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, which serves Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Arab Bedouins, was hit by an indiscriminate Iranian ballistic missile. Israel will take necessary actions to safeguard all its citizens, regardless of their backgrounds." According to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), Iran launched approximately 30 ballistic missiles at Israel on Thursday, with one striking the hospital in Beersheba.