In the context of escalating tensions due to the war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, a South Korean military transport aircraft landed at Seoul's Seongnam Airport on the evening of April 15, carrying 211 evacuees. This operation marks the first time the South Korean government has deployed a military transport plane, under the operation name 'Desert Light', since the conflict began on March 28. Among the evacuees, there were 204 South Koreans, 5 family members of foreign nationals, and 2 Japanese citizens, all of whom were residing in various countries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Lebanon.

The South Korean government reported that the majority of those rescued were from Saudi Arabia, with 142 evacuees (139 South Koreans and a few foreign nationals from Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S.). Notably, additional citizens from Lebanon, Bahrain, and Kuwait were also on board. The evacuation was the result of careful planning and international cooperation; the South Korean government consulted with over ten countries along the flight path to facilitate the aircraft's passage through their airspace.

In response to the growing regional instability, the South Korean government struggled to decide whether to utilize charter flights or military transport, eventually opting for military support. This evacuation effort not only ensured the safety of its citizens but also indicates South Korea's proactive diplomatic and military stance in response to international crises in the Middle East, showcasing their capacity for rapid response in emergencies, and the importance of international partnerships in these operations.