Passengers at Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut after their flights are delayed or cancelled

New Delhi: Several countries, including the US, UK and France, have asked their citizens living in Lebanon to leave the country immediately amid an all-out war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah and a wider regional conflict. Here’s your 5-point cheat sheet for this big story.

India has asked its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Lebanon. “All Indian nationals in Lebanon are advised to exercise caution, restrict their movement and stay in touch with the Embassy of India in Beirut,” the embassy said.

British Foreign Secretary David Lemmy said in a statement that tensions are high and the situation could deteriorate rapidly. “While we are working around the clock to strengthen our consular presence in Lebanon, my message to British citizens there is clear — leave now.”

France has also asked its citizens going to Iran to leave immediately. “Due to the growing threat of military escalation in the region, French citizens still visiting Iran are invited to leave as soon as possible,” the foreign ministry said.

The US embassy in Lebanon has asked its citizens to leave Lebanon on “any ticket available”. Despite the flight cancellations, “commercial transportation options are available to leave Lebanon,” the US embassy said. He said, “We encourage those wishing to travel to Lebanon to book any ticket available to them, even if the flight does not depart immediately or does not follow their first choice route. Do it.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was prepared for any “aggression” against it after threats of revenge for the killings of top Hamas and Hezbollah figures.

With input from AFP

Post a Comment



Source link