San Antonio Family Caught in Escalating Middle East Conflict

Sirens, missile alerts, and bomb shelters now part of daily life in Israel and Gulf region

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A San Antonio man and his family have been taking shelter more than 20 times since Saturday as Iran and its allies ramp up attacks following a U.S.-Israel military campaign that killed Iran's Supreme Leader. Daily life in Israel and the Gulf region has revolved around sirens, shelter, and uncertainty, with at least 11 people killed in Israel from Iranian airstrikes. The U.S. State Department has called for Americans to leave more than a dozen nations due to the escalating violence.

Why it matters

The conflict in the Middle East has significant global implications, with the potential to disrupt travel, commerce, and stability in the region. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between Iran, the U.S., and its allies, and the risks faced by civilians caught in the crossfire.

The details

Winslow Swart, a San Antonio resident, and his family have been sheltering in Jerusalem as sirens and missile alerts have become a daily occurrence. Swart says they have 90 seconds to get to a shelter when the air raid sirens sound, and they can hear the interception launches that sound like a sonic boom or thunder. The conflict has slowed commercial activity and largely suspended air travel throughout the Gulf, stranding thousands of travelers. Swart plans to remain with his family in Jerusalem through at least March before returning to San Antonio.

  • Since Saturday, Swart and his family have taken shelter more than 20 times.
  • On Monday, the U.S. State Department called for Americans to leave more than a dozen nations due to the escalating violence.
  • At least 11 people in Israel have been killed as a result of Iran's air strikes.

The players

Winslow Swart

A San Antonio resident who is currently in Jerusalem with his family.

Iran

Iran and its allies have ramped up attacks following a U.S.-Israel military campaign that killed Iran's Supreme Leader.

U.S. State Department

The U.S. State Department has called for Americans to leave more than a dozen nations due to the escalating violence in the Middle East.

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What they’re saying

“They say you have 90 seconds to get cover when the big air raid sirens go. And usually right around the time you get in the shelter, you start to hear the interception launches, which can sound a little bit like a sonic boom or if it's closer, much more like thunder.”

— Winslow Swart (kens5.com)

“As far as any real major barrages in war, we've been in the States while our kids were here. And I have to tell you it's a whole a lot easier to be with them then not with them. It's a different level comfort when you're together. It's strengthening.”

— Winslow Swart (kens5.com)

What’s next

Swart plans to remain with his family in Jerusalem through at least March before returning to San Antonio.

The takeaway

The escalating conflict in the Middle East has significant global implications, with the potential to disrupt travel, commerce, and stability in the region. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between Iran, the U.S., and its allies, and the risks faced by civilians caught in the crossfire.