Yemenis Urged to Leave Lebanon Amid Escalating Israel-Hezbollah War
As tensions rise between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah, Yemen’s government has advised its citizens in Lebanon to evacuate. The Yemeni embassy in Beirut has instructed Yemenis to travel by land to the Lebanon-Syria border due to the lack of air evacuation options. Those wishing to leave must obtain a transit visit from the Syrian government before being transported to Yemen via Jordan on Yemenia Airways flights.
Although Yemenis in Lebanon are eager to depart, many are wary of crossing into Syria, fearing Israeli airstrikes in the congested border area. Mushtaq Anaam, a Yemeni student in Beirut, described the situation as dire and advocated for alternative evacuation methods, such as Yemenia Airways flights or sea transport.
Meanwhile, Houthi forces have launched drones at Israeli targets in solidarity with Palestine and Lebanon, prompting retaliatory Israeli airstrikes in Yemen. The conflict has escalated, with the Houthis targeting commercial and naval ships in support of the Palestinian cause since November.
With the situation rapidly evolving, Yemenis in Lebanon face a challenging decision on how to safely return home amidst the escalating regional tensions.