politics
March 11, 2026
South Africans return home as Middle East conflict escalates
South Africa has advised its nationals to take “immediate advantage” of limited flights and leave the Middle East
TL;DR
- South African nationals are returning home from the Middle East as advised by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
- Major airlines like Emirates and South African Airways are resuming operations after earlier airspace closures due to regional instability.
- DIRCO urged citizens to evacuate immediately, taking advantage of limited commercial flights as intense fighting is expected to continue.
- Over 6,400 South African citizens in the Middle East have registered on DIRCO's Travel Smart system.
- The conflict involves US-Israel strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks, with President Trump vowing to hit Iran 'very hard' and demanding 'unconditional surrender'.
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected Trump's demand, stating Iran will defend its sovereignty.
- The Iranian health ministry reported over 1,332 deaths from US-Israeli airstrikes, including children.
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