South Korean Military Aircraft Evacuates 211 from Saudi Arabia Amid Middle East Turmoil
Synopsis
In a significant operation, a South Korean military aircraft is set to bring back 204 nationals from Saudi Arabia amid escalating Middle Eastern conflict. This marks the first military airlift since the crisis began, highlighting the challenges faced by citizens stranded in the region.
Key Takeaways
204 South Koreans and 7 foreign nationals evacuated.
The operation is named 'Desert Shine' .
First military airlift since the Middle East conflict began.
Efforts were made to secure commercial flights prior to military deployment.
Previous military evacuations highlight ongoing concerns for citizens abroad.
Seoul, March 15 (NationPress) A military transport aircraft from South Korea is repatriating 204 citizens from Saudi Arabia, as announced by officials on Sunday. This marks the first military airlift evacuation since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East late last month.
The KC-330 Cygnus, a multirole aerial tanker, took off from Riyadh on Saturday (local time), carrying 204 South Koreans along with seven foreign nationals. It is scheduled to arrive at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, south of the capital, on Sunday afternoon (Seoul time), according to Yonhap news agency.
Operation “Desert Shine” was initiated as thousands of South Korean citizens remain trapped in the Middle East due to disrupted flights stemming from the escalating conflict between US-Israeli forces and Iran, which has transformed into a broader regional war.
The passengers on the Cygnus had been residing in Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia before making their way to Riyadh for the military evacuation.
Among those onboard were two Japanese nationals, along with an American, an Australian, a New Zealander, an Irish national, and a Filipino.
The South Korean government has reached out to at least 10 countries for assistance in securing safe flight routes for the military aircraft returning from Riyadh, according to officials.
Many South Koreans have successfully returned from the UAE and Qatar, as both nations agreed to South Korea's request for limited commercial and chartered flights.
However, finding flights out of other regions has proven challenging for those still stranded, prompting the government to deploy a military aircraft for their return, stated a foreign ministry official.
Previously, Seoul had attempted to arrange commercial flights through discussions with airlines and other relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia and domestically, but ultimately opted for a military aircraft due to safety concerns.
This evacuation marks the seventh instance in which military aircraft have been deployed to extract citizens from conflict zones abroad. The last military airlift occurred in 2024, when a military aircraft successfully transported 96 South Koreans from Lebanon amidst clashes between Israel and the Hezbollah militia.
Point of View
It's imperative to emphasize the urgency of this operation. The South Korean government's decision to deploy military resources underscores the severity of the situation facing its citizens in the Middle East, reflecting a proactive approach to ensure their safety in a time of crisis.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the military aircraft evacuation?
The military aircraft is evacuating South Korean nationals stranded in Saudi Arabia due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
How many individuals are being evacuated?
A total of 211 individuals, including 204 South Koreans and seven foreign nationals, are being repatriated.
What has prompted the military airlift?
The airlift was prompted by significant flight disruptions caused by escalating tensions between US-Israeli forces and Iran.
What is the name of the operation?
The operation is codenamed 'Desert Shine.'
When was the last military evacuation conducted?
The last military evacuation occurred in 2024, bringing 96 South Koreans back from Lebanon.
