In response to escalating tensions following the U.S.-Iran conflict, a military transport aircraft carrying 211 evacuees, including 204 South Korean nationals, departed Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The evacuation operation, named 'Desert Light', took place on the evening of the 14th after a thorough assessment and planning by both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense. Notably, this marks the first time the South Korean government has sent a military transport aircraft to evacuate citizens since hostilities erupted with Iran's invasion by U.S. and Israeli forces on the 28th of the previous month.

The passengers included a mix of South Koreans, foreign family members, and Japanese citizens, signifying a coordinated effort to ensure the safety of nationals scattered across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Lebanon. The majority of the evacuees originated from Saudi Arabia, and the successful operation was significantly facilitated by prompt cooperation from around ten countries that granted overflight permission within a day. This rapid response indicates the urgency and complexity of the operation, which aimed to concentrate the scattered South Korean nationals amidst the deteriorating situation on the ground.

Additionally, the government closely monitored the conflict dynamics in the region and contemplated the deployment of charter flights or military options until just before the operation. Their decision on the 12th to use a military transport aircraft demonstrates both strategic planning and an awareness of the need for immediate action to consolidate and safeguard their citizens in a volatile environment, reflecting the significance of diplomacy in crisis situations.