Türkiye prepares evacuation plans for citizens in Lebanon
Sixty-eight patients and 61 companions from Gaza who were brought to Türkiye were welcomed at Etimesgut Airport. (AA Photo)
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that it has prepared alternative evacuation plans for Turkish citizens in Lebanon, as the security situation in the country worsens.
In a statement, the ministry said: “There is a possibility that the security situation in Lebanon may deteriorate further. In this framework, plans for our citizens in Lebanon have been made in coordination with relevant institutions and alternative plans have been prepared for the evacuation of our citizens by sea or air.”
The ministry emphasized that all preparations have been coordinated with relevant institutions to ensure the safety of Turkish nationals.
It’s announced that in coordination with relevant institutions, alternative plans for air and sea evacuations have been developed, should the need arise.
To manage the process, the “Ministry of Foreign Affairs Coordination and Support Center” has been established. A team comprised of officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Directorate of Security, and the Directorate General of Migration Management is currently working on the ground in Lebanon.
Ongoing evacuation preparations for foreign nationals
Besides Turkish citizens, Türkiye has also outlined plans to assist foreign nationals seeking evacuation via Turkish territory.
Preparations are ongoing in coordination with nearly 20 countries that have already requested support.
“The principles regarding the evacuation of citizens of other countries through our country have also been determined and necessary preparations are underway with nearly 20 countries that have requested support so far,” the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in the statement.
Recently Turkish officials announced that the current developments in Lebanon are being closely monitored in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Preliminary planning and preparations are also being made for a potential evacuation operation. Aid will continue in line with Lebanon’s requests and security conditions, in coordination with other institutions,” the ministry added.
