The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) aircraft that will rescue Brazilians in Lebanon should take off this Saturday (5) from Lisbon, Portugal, towards Beirut.
According to a statement released by the federal government, passengers on the flight are receiving instructions for boarding at the airport in the Lebanese capital.
“The Brazilian government reiterates its warning to follow the security guidelines of the embassy in Beirut and local authorities and, for those who have the resources to do so, try to leave Lebanese territory by their own means. Beirut airport remains in operation to flights of the Lebanese company Middle East Airlines”, says the note, signed by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense, in addition to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB).
The repatriation was scheduled for this Friday (4), but was postponed to analyze security conditions. On Thursday night, Israeli bombings towards Lebanon were intensified. Even areas close to Beirut airport were affected.
The first phase of Operation Cedro Roots should transport 220 Brazilians who are in Lebanon. The objective of the operation is to repatriate up to 500 people per week. It is estimated that 20 thousand Brazilians live in Lebanese territory.