As turmoil in Lebanon escalates due to Israeli airstrikes, over 2,000 Turkish citizens and some foreign nationals boarded a Turkish military ship for evacuation. Among them was Zehra Cibbin, who decided to leave Beirut after her neighborhood was bombed. The evacuation operation, including ships loaded with humanitarian supplies, aims to ensure the safe return of Turkish citizens in Lebanon.
The evacuation, organized by the Turkish government, was covered by The Associated Press. Turkish Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Baris Ulusoy highlighted the impact of Israel’s aggression on Lebanon and emphasized the humanitarian aspect of the operation.
As hundreds lined up to board the ships, the tensions between Hezbollah and Israel continued to escalate, resulting in casualties and displacements. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned Israel’s actions and expressed Turkey’s readiness to thwart any expansionist ambitions.
The journey back to Mersin is expected to take about 10 hours, with plans for further evacuations if necessary. The operation signifies Turkey’s commitment to assisting its citizens and providing aid to those affected by the conflict in Lebanon.