In a humanitarian operation, a plane from the Colombian Air Force (FAC) evacuated 114 Colombians who were in Lebanon, affected by the armed conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah group.
News Colombia.
This Wednesday, October 2, the plane assigned by the Colombian Air Force (FAC) to repatriate 114 compatriots residing in Lebanon is on its way back to Colombia.
These people left the country due to the delicate situation in that region of the Middle East, where the State of Israel is carrying out a military operation against the armed group Hezbollah.
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The evacuation was carried out in response to the Israeli military intervention in Lebanese territory, which has generated an escalation of violence and put foreign citizens, including Colombians, at risk.
The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jorge Rojas, confirmed that the compatriots are already on their way back to Colombia, after boarding the FAC plane in Beirut. “At this time, 114 compatriots begin a flight back to Bogotá, including 48 boys and girls, evacuated from Lebanon in compliance with the instructions of President Gustavo Petro,” the diplomat wrote on the social network X.
The mission was announced by President Petro during his speech at the UN General Assembly on September 24, in which he assured that the Colombian government would act to protect its citizens abroad.
In the same context, the president reported that in addition to the evacuation, humanitarian aid would be sent for civilian victims in Lebanon.
Humanitarian Aid for Lebanon
According to Vice Minister Rojas, the plane landed in Beirut in the early hours of October 2, delivering around 3 tons of emergency supplies to the Ministry of Health of that country. The Colombian ambassador to Lebanon, Edwin Ostos, was in charge of leading the delivery of this aid, with the support of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD).
This humanitarian operation demonstrates the commitment of the Colombian government to its citizens in situations of risk, while extending its hand of solidarity to those affected by the violence in Lebanon.
Attention
At this time, 114 compatriots (48 boys and girls) evacuated from Lebanon begin their return flight to Bogotá, in compliance with the instructions of the President of Colombia. @petrogustavo.
The plane managed to land in Beirut this morning, deliver to the Ministry of Health… pic.twitter.com/TGkQOsBLTk
— Jorge Rojas Rodríguez (@jorgerojas2022) October 2, 2024
Back to Barranquilla 🙏 pic.twitter.com/RgMHhh9y3g
— Jorge Rojas Rodríguez (@jorgerojas2022) October 2, 2024
