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The Australian Defence Force has confirmed on Wednesday morning that they will be aiding in potential evacuation missions of Australians in the Middle East amid the continuing war in Iran.
A special taskforce has been established to assist in the evacuations, should Australian citizens within the affected countries be deemed under immediate threat.
“Defence remains ready to support DFAT-led whole-of-government contingency planning,” a Defence spokesperson told media in Canberra.
The Australian earlier reported that units at the Enoggera Barracks in Brisbane are on standby for the taskforce.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said the federal government is exploring “contingencies” as heavy airspace restrictions are “obviously” affecting Australia’s operations.
“...we have all the scenarios in mind and we are preparing as best we can for them.”
Estimates suggest that currently over 100,000 Aussies may be stranded in the region as over 12,000 flights have been cancelled at major international hubs, including in Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.
“Typically around 11,000 Australians a day travel through the region, 11,000 every day, the majority through the United Arab Emirates,” said Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
“I am advised that a small number of commercial flights to other destinations were able to depart overnight, however, the unfortunate reality is that immediate resolution to this situation is unlikely.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs has updated its travel warnings for Australians, issuing “Do not travel” orders to the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi and Qatar.
