Fending for themselves: Bozeman sisters scramble out of Saudi Arabia as Iran war erupts

Key Takeaways:

• Two sisters from Bozeman were visiting Saudi Arabia when conflict broke out.
• The first U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran triggered a chaotic evacuation scenario.
• Government guidance for evacuating citizens was limited.
• The sisters navigated the crisis largely on their own.
• They ultimately left Saudi Arabia safely, despite challenging conditions.

A Looming Conflict

When the first U.S.-Israeli strikes struck Iranian targets, the Middle East was instantly on edge. Suddenly, the region’s political and military tensions escalated, leaving foreign visitors ill-prepared for an impending crisis.

Two American Sisters Abroad

Alise and Laurel Glenn, sisters from Bozeman, Montana, arrived in Saudi Arabia unaware of the dangerous turn events would soon take. Their visit began as a routine trip, but they soon found themselves in the middle of a rapidly unfolding conflict.

A Chaotic Evacuation

As hostilities mounted in Iran, concerns spread throughout much of the neighboring region. With tensions high, evacuation plans lacked consistency, complicating efforts for outsiders seeking safe passage. Alise and Laurel faced closed-off routes and sudden cancellations.

Minimal Government Guidance

According to the original news feed, the sisters received little direction from the government on how best to depart. Options were unclear, and they had to rely largely on personal research and on-the-ground information to escape a potential crisis.

Making It Out

Though the details of their final route remain limited by available information, Alise and Laurel ultimately managed to leave Saudi Arabia behind. Their journey underscores the vulnerability of travelers abroad when international conflicts flare with little warning.