site.btaBulgaria Urges Citizens to Leave Middle East as Security Risks Near Critical Levels

The risks facing Bulgarian citizens in conflict-affected countries in the Middle East are close to turning into a direct threat, Deputy Foreign Minister Marin Raykov told reporters on Monday, commenting on the elevated security risk levels in the region.

He urged all Bulgarian nationals wishing to leave the affected countries to do so immediately, while airspace remains open and airports are still operational.

Raykov specified that the warning applies to Bulgarian citizens residing in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Iran. He stressed that they should leave while they still can and advised against planning flights with connections through airports in the region.

“Every available civilian or commercial flight is an opportunity that should not be missed,” Raykov said, explaining that these countries have been assigned the highest risk level – Level 5. He warned that there is a real possibility that all civilian and commercial evacuation options could soon be suspended.

According to him, remaining in these countries is a matter of personal responsibility and risk. If airspace is closed, Bulgaria would not be able to continue sending free evacuation flights for thousands of citizens who choose to ignore the warnings. He added that around 2,000 Bulgarian citizens are currently in the United Arab Emirates alone.

Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry also urged both those planning to travel to the region and those already there to heed the warning and leave immediately.

Raykov said Bulgaria remains in constant contact with its partners and allies and is continuously assessing the situation on the ground, which is currently deteriorating, with security conditions on the verge of dramatic worsening.