Friday June 20, 2025

Ankara (HOL) – The Somali Embassy in Turkey has facilitated
the safe evacuation of Dr. Mustafa Ali Macalin, a Somali medical student who
sustained light injuries in Tehran following an Israeli airstrike, as tensions
continue to escalate between Iran and Israel.

According to a statement from the embassy, Dr. Mustafa, one
of dozens of young Somalis studying in Iran, was successfully transferred
across the Turkish border with the assistance of Turkish authorities.

The embassy thanked the Turkish government for its swift
cooperation in enabling Dr. Mustafa’s safe passage to Turkey, from where he
will continue his journey back to Somalia.

Somali Embassy in Ankara reiterated its commitment to
assisting Somali nationals in Iran who feel unsafe. “The Embassy of the Federal
Republic of Somalia in Turkey informs Somali citizens in Iran who wish to leave
the country due to the ongoing fighting there to contact the embassy for
assistance in returning to their country safely. Mobile Number: +90 534 593
3990,” read the embassy’s statement posted on Facebook.

The evacuation comes as Israel continues a series of
intensive airstrikes across Iranian territory, targeting civilian areas,
hospitals, weapons factories, and critical government infrastructure. The
deteriorating security situation has raised alarm among foreign nationals in
Iran, including a small Somali community consisting mainly of students and businesspeople.

Somali nationals in Iran have recently held meetings to
assess whether to remain in the country or evacuate amid rising insecurity. Dr.
Mustafa’s evacuation marks one of the first publicly confirmed Somali
extractions amid the escalating crisis.