Türkiye begins evacuation of citizens from Lebanon amid Israeli strikes
Civilians, the majority of whom are Turkish citizens, including the elderly, disabled, and children, are being evacuated from Lebanon by amphibious ship TCG Bayraktar belonging to the Turkish Naval Forces Command, Beirut port in Lebanon, October 09, 2024. (AA Photo)
In coordination with the Turkish Foreign Ministry and National Defense Ministry, Türkiye on Wednesday commenced the evacuation of civilians, primarily Turkish citizens, from Lebanon, which has faced extensive Israeli attacks in recent weeks.
The TCG Bayraktar and TCG Sancaktar, two amphibious warfare ships of the Turkish Naval Forces, arrived at Beirut Port carrying humanitarian aid. Following the unloading of supplies, preparations for the evacuation began.
After luggage inspections, civilians, mostly Turkish citizens, began boarding the TCG Bayraktar. The evacuees included elderly individuals, some with disabilities, as well as women, infants, and children.
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Beirut Ali Baris Ulusoy and Rear Admiral Nihat Baran, commander of the Lebanon Evacuation Mission Group, were present to see the evacuees off.
Preparations for boarding the TCG Sancaktar will commence after the aid is fully unloaded. Once all procedures are completed, both ships will set sail for Türkiye.
Since Sept. 23, Israel has conducted massive airstrikes across Lebanon, targeting what it claims are Hezbollah positions, resulting in more than 1,323 deaths and nearly 3,700 injuries.
This aerial campaign marks an escalation in the year-long cross-border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has intensified following Israel’s brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip that has claimed over 42,000 lives, predominantly women and children, since a Hamas attack last year.
Despite international warnings that the Middle East is on the brink of a regional war amid Israel’s relentless attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, Tel Aviv expanded the conflict by launching a ground invasion into southern Lebanon on Oct. 1.
Frigates and patrol boats to escort evacuation
Two frigates and two patrol boats will accompany the ships during the first evacuation by sea from Lebanon. Civilians aboard Türkiye’s domestically produced amphibious ships will undergo health checks conducted by onboard medical staff.
Citizens of other countries who have requested assistance from Turkish authorities will also be evacuated on these ships.
Previous evacuations in 2006
Türkiye previously evacuated its citizens during the 34-day Israel-Lebanon War in 2006. On July 23, 2006, the TCG Iskenderun, organized by the General Staff and the Turkish Foreign Ministry, reached Beirut Port, escorted by the TCG Gelibolu and TCG Bartin.
After 12 hours of operations, the TCG Iskenderun safely returned to Türkiye with nearly 1,100 people.
