A Fulshear woman says her husband is trapped in Qatar as U.S.-Iran tensions rise, with no way out amid airspace closures and ongoing attacks.
FULSHEAR, Texas — As tension continues to boil over following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in Iran, thousands of Americans overseas now find themselves caught in the middle.
“It just doesn’t feel real,” Jennifer Starkey said. “You just feel helpless.”
Her husband, Sean Starkey of Fulshear, left for Qatar five weeks ago on his first international work trip. But over the last few days, she says, the situation has deteriorated quickly as Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting Qatar and neighboring countries.
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“When it first happened, he was in a building that shook. He was that close,” Jennifer said. “So, and then, there was another interception at that point, and then they evacuated the area. Since then, he’s been hearing stuff, nonstop, interceptions of drones and missiles.”
The U.S. State Department has issued an alert urging Americans in 14 countries, including Qatar, to “depart now.” But Jennifer said leaving is not an option. With Qatar’s airspace closed and the government ordering citizens to shelter in place, she said Americans there are stranded.
“They’re just sitting ducks. There’s nothing they can do,” Jennifer said. “We need someone to come in and get them. They are trapped without a bunker in Rass Laffan … no way to get out of the country.”
Jennifer said her husband and his coworkers have received no help or information from American officials. For now, the family remains separated — half a world apart.
“He was supposed to be home this week. The kids are ready for him to be home. We’re at a point where we don’t know really what to say to them,” she said.
Jennifer said she’s thankful she can still communicate with Sean.
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