First Group of Bahrainis Returns from Mashhad After 30-Hour Journey

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The first group of Bahraini citizens stranded in Mashhad, Iran, arrived back in the Kingdom yesterday, after enduring a grueling land journey that took over 30 hours. Hundreds more are expected to return today, Tuesday, while many others remain in Mashhad awaiting their turn to travel.

The travelers recounted the difficulty of the trip, which involved traveling by bus from Mashhad to the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iraq, passing through the Safwan border, then into Kuwait via the Abdali crossing, before finally reaching Bahrain.

Several Bahraini travel campaigns have stepped in to coordinate return plans, working closely with official authorities. Discussions are also underway to explore possible return routes via Turkmenistan to ease the pressure on current paths.

Sayyed Majid Ibrahim, director of Al-Bayan Campaign, said six buses carrying 237 passengers left Mashhad on Monday. While some travelers chose to remain behind for now, Ibrahim noted that the land return option is still available to those willing to endure the long and tiring route, especially with air travel currently suspended.

"Thankfully, all Bahraini visitors are in good health," he assured. “We’ve arranged transportation to ensure a safe and organized return for everyone.”

Dawood Al-Taitoon, head of Al-Zohour Travel & Tourism Campaign, said two buses arrived safely in Bahrain yesterday after leaving Mashhad the day before. He noted that several Bahraini travel groups have already begun their exit from the city in a gradual, coordinated manner. “We hope all our fellow citizens will return home safely and smoothly in the coming days,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sayyed Mahdi Al-Alawi from Al-Alawi Travel Campaign shared that his team is currently transporting a group of travelers in Iraq. A large batch departed yesterday for Kuwait International Airport, where arrangements have been made for their return to Bahrain. The campaign has also covered the additional transport costs, securing private buses for the group.

Al-Alawi mentioned that efforts are ongoing to bring back the remaining 250 travelers with his campaign. Dedicated vehicles and four Bahraini buses have been deployed to transport them directly from Najaf to Kuwait Airport, ensuring a safe and direct journey back home.