Brits stranded in Middle East with panic attacks as evacuation flight ‘did not take off’ | World | News
British citizens desperate to escape the chaos of the Iran war were left in disarray after the Government’s first special evacuation flight from Oman failed to take off, sparking scenes of panic and frustration. The plane, which was scheduled to leave Muscat at 23:00 local time (19:00 in the UK) on Wednesday, was grounded due to a number of technical and administrative glitches.
Tension escalated when passengers, including families with children, were put on the bus outside the plane. Eyewitnesses described people banging on windows, becoming agitated and having panic attacks in the stifling heat. One of the evacuees described the debacle as “a complete spectacle”, while another described it as “incredibly serious” and criticized consular staff for offering inadequate assistance. Eventually, the group was returned to their hotel after authorities stated that the pilot had “adjusted his working hours” and needed to rest. The flight is scheduled for Thursday, leaving hundreds of people in limbo as the conflict continues.
The Foreign Office has been approached for comment but the incident underlines the growing desperation among Britons caught in the crossfire in the Middle East.
With Israel’s latest attacks hitting Tehran and Iranian missiles advancing towards Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, the region is on the verge of a precipice.
During the night, Israel carried out an air attack on Hezbollah’s stronghold, and the south of Beirut was shaken by explosions following evacuation warnings to residents.
Authorities in Qatar cleared areas near the US embassy after Iran’s attacks and called on citizens to stay at home.
A ballistic missile hit the Al Udeid US base and Hamad airport was targeted, raising fears of wider unrest.
Further afield, a “massive explosion” occurred on a tanker off the coast of Kuwait, triggering an oil spill and raising concerns about a global energy crisis. Iran is blocking vital shipping lanes, demanding “full control” of the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran fired a missile at the headquarters of the Kurdish group in Iraqi Kurdistan amid reports that the United States planned to arm the rebels; But this was denied by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who insisted that no such agreement existed under President Trump.
Protests flared up in Manchester, England. At the memorial ceremony held for Iran’s religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, mourners burned pictures of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while counter-demonstrators waved Israeli and pre-revolutionary Iranian flags and set fire to Khamenei’s portraits.
The effects of the war are spreading globally: US forces sank an Iranian warship near Sri Lanka, the first such action since the Falklands.
The destruction of a missile en route to a Turkish NATO base where US troops were located risked the dissolution of the alliance. Ed Miliband reportedly led Cabinet pushback against US strikes and use of British bases Telegram.
HMS Dragon, which Sir Keir Starmer promised to defend Cyprus, will not arrive for two weeks, exposing vulnerabilities.
Mr. Trump praised U.S. progress as “15 out of 10,” but inconsistencies in his narrative remain.
An FCDO Spokesperson said: “A UK government charter flight was unable to depart Oman as planned yesterday due to technical issues. The flight is expected to depart later today.”
