Baltimore Native Stranded in Qatar Finds Relief After Airstrikes

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Anjali Sharma, a 26-year-old from Owings Mills, Maryland, found herself stranded in Qatar during a 24-hour layover on her way to a family wedding in India after U.S.-Israeli airstrikes against Iran on February 28 led to retaliatory missile strikes in the region and the shuttering of airspace. With her passport expiring in less than six months, Sharma was only able to leave Doha after getting help from an adviser to President Donald Trump.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the challenges faced by thousands of Americans left stranded abroad in the aftermath of the U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, which have prompted the State Department to issue travel warnings for several countries in the Middle East region.

The details

Sharma had been on her way to attend a family wedding in India when the airspace was shuttered as a result of the hostilities. With a passport that expires in less than six months, Sharma was only able to leave Doha after getting help from Alex Bruesewitz, who serves as an adviser to President Donald Trump. Sharma arrived in India within two days, with Bruesewitz keeping tabs on her location to ensure she made it to her destination.

• The U.S.-Israeli airstrikes against Iran occurred on February 28, 2026.
• Anjali Sharma found herself stranded in Qatar during a 24-hour layover following the airstrikes.

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