Two Turkish Navy Ships Evacuate Over 2,000 Nationals From Lebanon Amid Rising Conflict

About 2,000 Turkish nationals and their families were evacuated from Beirut on two Turkish navy landing ships on October 9, 2024, fleeing escalating violence as Israel intensified military operations against Hezbollah.

The evacuees, many of whom hold dual Lebanese and Turkish citizenship, feared for their safety due to Lebanon’s deteriorating security situation and continuous financial crisis.

The evacuation took place after recent airstrikes and rocket fire. Issa Malak, an evacuee, complained about the lack of basic necessities and a future in Lebanon, saying that the situation had grown unbearable.

Another evacuee, Tarek Issa, said the bombardment was becoming increasingly threatening.

The Turkish ships arrived in Beirut after transporting over 300 tons of humanitarian aid. They carried basic supplies such as food packages, hygiene kits, and blankets.

Turkish Ambassador Ali Baris Ulusoy said that the aid was meant to help the Lebanese amid the crisis.

Passengers prepared for departure to the port, where they registered their documents and waited to board. The ships were expected to arrive at Mersin, Turkey.

Per a Turkish Foreign Ministry source, some evacuees will be accompanied by foreign relatives, and more evacuations may be planned if there is more demand.

Earlier this week, Turkish officials estimated that roughly 14,000 Turkish citizens reside in Lebanon. In response to the ongoing conflict, Turkey has coordinated with around 20 countries to help with possible evacuations of foreign nationals.

Hundreds of people from various countries have already returned to Turkey using commercial vessels.

Zehra Cibbin, a Turkish citizen living in Beirut, described the horrific situations that forced her family to leave. She told how they decided to flee after witnessing nearby bombings.

Since mid-September, the continuous conflict in Lebanon has taken the lives of over 1,300 people and displaced more than a million more. Tensions increased after an unexpected attack by Hamas in Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in Hezbollah to launch retaliatory strikes.

As the situation remains unpredictable, Turkey’s government has pledged to bring back its citizens and may consider extra charter flights for evacuations if necessary.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also condemned Israel’s actions, reaffirming Turkey’s commitment to counter perceived expansionist intentions.

References: Reuters, AP News

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