Türkiye evacuates 966 people from Lebanon amid escalating conflict
A Turkish soldier on guard in Beirut, Lebanon during Türkiye's evacuation operation. (AA Photo)
Türkiye has evacuated 966 individuals from Lebanon, including 878 Turkish citizens, 24 Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) citizens and their close relatives – as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safe return of nationals.
Evacuation effort for Turkish and TRNC citizens
According to information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, approximately 1,900 Turkish citizens have expressed their desire to be evacuated from Lebanon.
On Thursday, 966 people, comprising 878 Turkish citizens, 24 TRNC citizens and 64 close relatives, were evacuated by Turkish ships.
Clarification on foreign nationals boarding
Foreign Ministry sources clarified that reports suggesting foreign nationals were prioritized during the evacuation are “absolutely false.”
The sources emphasized that any foreign nationals allowed on the ships were accompanying close relatives of Turkish citizens.
The ministry also addressed rumors about the involvement of foreign nationals in the operation, stressing that such claims can fuel xenophobia and complicate evacuation efforts.
Evacuation process
Of the 2,500 individuals who initially registered for evacuation, phone interviews confirmed that 1,900 people intended to depart.
According to estimates, around 1,000 individuals arrived at the designated gathering points, though some decided against boarding at the last minute.
