Northern Virginia security company helps evacuate nearly 4,000 amid Iran war

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (7News) — As the war in Iran stretches toward a week, evacuations out of the region continue, including efforts coordinated by a Northern Virginia-based security company that has helped move nearly 4,000 people out of the Middle East.

Global Guardian has assisted people in evacuating at least 15 countries through a combination of charter and commercial flights, according to Colin O’Brien, the company’s deputy vice president of operations. Most of them are Americans, he said.

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“The primary objective is to get them out of the Middle East, to move them to places where they have freedom of movement, where there are pre-existing commercial airline options — so places like Western Europe, Turkey, Cairo, where I have major functioning international airports that have yet to be affected by this crisis,” O’Brien explained. “And then from there, we can take our time. We can get the right plane ticket, and we can send them home.”

Meanwhile, airports, including Dulles, are experiencing some flight cancellations and delays from the Middle East.

7News was at baggage claim as people returned to America, greeting loved ones with hugs.

One man who wished to remain anonymous spoke with 7News while waiting for his daughter and grandchildren to return from the Middle East, where his son-in-law is stationed in the military.

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He said he is grateful to have them home, but it’s bittersweet because his son-in-law is still over there amid the conflict.

A woman who arrived Thursday afternoon told 7News she’s grateful to be away from potential danger but feels sorry for those who can’t leave.