The U.S. Transportation Command reported to Senator Elizabeth Warren that it was not directed to evacuate American civilians from the Middle East after the conflict with Iran began in late February. While TRANSCOM successfully moved over 1,500 individuals affiliated with the State Department, it stated it had not received orders to assist non-government personnel.
Warren condemned the Trump administration for its handling of the situation, claiming it endangered American lives and failed to utilize available resources for evacuations. She highlighted the chaotic communication experienced by Americans in the region, who faced difficulties in securing safe passage out.
The State Department, in response to inquiries, noted that over 120,000 U.S. citizens had returned safely from the Middle East, facilitated by more than 60 charter flights.
However, Warren's concerns about the lack of a coordinated evacuation effort for non-government Americans remain significant, particularly given TRANSCOM's previous involvement in similar operations during crises in Afghanistan and Lebanon