Newsroom
Belgium's federal government is deploying troops to Cyprus on Thursday in preparation for the possible evacuation of Belgian citizens from Lebanon, as tensions rise in the region, Belgian Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder told Belga news agency.
Dedonder emphasized that Cyprus is ideal for such operations due to its proximity to the conflict zone, while not being directly involved.
"There are still commercial flights operating from Lebanon," Dedonder noted. "We are awaiting the green light from the Foreign Minister to launch the military operation," she added, stressing the importance of acting without delay.
Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the federal government had activated evacuation plans for Belgian nationals in Lebanon following her request.
"We are in contact with our European partners to secure flights," Lahbib said, adding that the Defense Ministry is "ready to intervene" with special flights if necessary.
According to Lahbib, approximately 1,800 Belgian citizens remain in Lebanon, with fewer than 100 having requested repatriation so far. The Belgian embassy in Lebanon is assessing how many more citizens wish to return, with priority given to the most vulnerable.
Belgium is also sending the Belgian First Aid and Support Team (B-FAST) to transport medicine and other resources to Lebanon. So far, B-FAST has sent medicines and supplies valued at €150,000, according to Dedonder.
[Information sourced from CNA]
