U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01) announced Wednesday that a group of college students from the University of South Alabama who have been stranded in Peru will be returning to the United States.

The group of students, who were studying for positions in the field of medicine, became trapped in Peru when the country closed its borders on March 17 as a way to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus.

“We are so relieved that the Peruvian government has cleared them for travel back to our country, and I am thankful to all who worked so hard to ensure this positive outcome. We look forward to welcoming them back home,” Byrne said in a statement.

According to information provided by Byrne’s office, the students left Peru on a flight with other stranded Americans this morning.

University of South Alabama spokesman Bob Lowry told FOX10 in Mobile that “the school has students still abroad in five other countries – two in South Korea, and one each in Japan, Germany, Thailand and Australia.”

President Donald Trump has mentioned the plight of the students during his press conferences in recent weeks.

“Since learning nine days ago about a group from South Alabama unable to leave Peru, my staff and I have worked tirelessly with the State Department, university officials, and my Congressional colleagues to enable their safe return home,” Byrne added.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.