Rapid Personnel Relocation from Sulaymaniyah to Batman

Overview

A high-stakes journey across volatile borders, resolved in under 48 hours

Amid the escalations across the Middle East in June 2025, a longstanding International SOS client reached out via the Paris Assistance Center with a critical need: safe onward evacuation for personnel to Sulaymaniyah, from within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Although they were out of immediate danger, their situation remained precarious.

The client required rapid, secure assistance to complete the final leg of the journey, crossing into Türkiye and returning home. With regional volatility and complex border dynamics, we mobilized our expert teams and trusted partners to deliver a swift and secure solution.

Problem

Facing logistical and geopolitical challenges across two nations

Despite successfully reaching Sulaymaniyah, the client’s personnel faced multiple obstacles in getting home. The journey required traveling over 600km, transiting a high-traffic international border, and coordinating movements across two countries, all under tight time constraints.
 
The window for safe passage was narrow, and the client needed full spectrum support: local expertise, secure transportation, and real-time coordination across borders. Without a trusted, end-to-end evacuation plan, the situation risked delays, exposure to additional threats, and significant emotional stress for those involved.

Solution

Integrated response powered by regional expertise and global oversight

We activated a cross-border, multi-stakeholder operation led by our Dubai and Paris Assistance Centers, working alongside proven regional partners:

• Secure Ground Transport from Sulaymaniyah to the Türkiye Border: Our vetted provider in Iraq collected the personnel from a vetted safe house in Sulaymaniyah and transported them to the Ibrahim Khalil border crossing point. One of the most congested and complex checkpoints in the region.
• Seamless Handover to Turkish Security Partner: Upon crossing into Türkiye, our security partner received the personnel and facilitated the final leg of the journey to the safe house in Batman.
• 48-Hour Turnaround from Request to Execution: From the moment of request to successful relocation, the operation was completed in less than two days, with continuous oversight and updates provided to the client.
• Two Countries, One Unified Plan: Coordination across Iraq and Türkiye, powered by in-region partnerships and experienced logistical teams, ensured smooth, uninterrupted movement across borders.

Impact

Delivering peace of mind through precision and speed

The successful execution of this evacuation showcased the strength of our regional response network and its ability to lead under pressure:

• Safe Evacuation with Zero Disruptions: Despite the complexity of the route and the geopolitical sensitivities, the entire move was executed without incident.
• Rapid Response Time: A fully coordinated international evacuation was completed in under 48 hours, minimizing risk and restoring peace of mind for the client and the personnel involved.
• Trust Reinforced Through Action: The client fulfilled its Duty of Care obligations, reinforcing confidence among employees and internal stakeholders.
• Reliable Cross-Border Crisis Management: This case highlights how local partnerships, global oversight, and crisis-tested processes work together to protect people and ensure continuity in times of uncertainty.