US-Iran conflict: Bangladesh cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim stranded in Jeddah
What's the story
Bangladesh's veteran wicketkeeper-batter, Mushfiqur Rahim, is reportedly stuck in Jeddah after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, which disrupted flight services. The 38-year-old was returning from his Umrah pilgrimage when the military action led to airspace closures across the Gulf region. This has affected several flights, including those of Emirates and Air India. Here are further details.
Travel turmoil
Rahim updates fans about his travel plans
Rahim took to Facebook to share his travel plans and the disruption caused by the ongoing conflict. "I came to Macca for the Umrah Hajj a couple of days back... had finished my Hajj and was heading back to Bangladesh via Dubai (Emirates) today," he wrote. However, he later updated that their flight from Jeddah to Dubai had been diverted back due to the ongoing political conflict.
Information
Flights suspended
In light of the conflict, Air India and Emirates have canceled all flights to and from the Gulf region. The cancellation mainly affects destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Muscat, Riyadh, and Tel Aviv in Israel.
Attack
How the matter escalated
The US and Israel have launched an unprecedented attack on Iran, reportedly targeting strategic military infrastructure. The strikes hit several sites in and around Tehran overnight. In response to the attacks, Tehran has fired missiles at Israel and at least seven other countries, including the United Arab Emirates, and Gulf states with US bases.