In a bold move of solidarity, Greece has sent a Lockheed C-130 transport aircraft to Beirut, Lebanon, to evacuate Cypriot nationals amid rising tensions in the region. With around 60 passengers on board, including 45 Cypriots, the aircraft will whisk them away to safety in Larnaca, Cyprus, and then onward to Athens.
What is Greece doing to help Cypriot nationals in Lebanon?
In response to growing safety concerns, Greece has dispatched a Lockheed C-130 transport aircraft to evacuate Cypriot nationals from Lebanon. The flight, carrying predominantly Cypriot and Greek citizens, will transport passengers from Beirut to Larnaca, Cyprus, and then to Athens, amid escalating regional tensions and limited commercial flight availability.
Aid in Turbulent Times
In a gesture of solidarity and swift response, the Greek defence ministry has sent a Lockheed C-130 transport aircraft to Lebanon. Its mission: to evacuate Cypriot nationals amidst growing concerns for their safety. The aircraft touched down in Beirut airport on a quiet Thursday morning, gearing up for a critical operation.
Reports from Greek public broadcaster ERT put forth that the aircraft is set to carry 60 individuals, predominantly Cypriot and Greek citizens, back to safety. The Cypriot foreign ministry, through spokesman Theodoros Gotsis, has confirmed that the majority of those passengers, precisely 45, are indeed Cypriot nationals. With tensions in the region escalating, more developments were anticipated throughout the day.
Departure Logistics
Scheduled to leave Beirut at noon, the C-130’s journey is a beacon of hope for many. After departing, it will make its way to Larnaca airport, where Cypriot passengers will disembark. From there, the plane is destined for Athens, completing its humanitarian circuit. This operation comes at a time when commercial flights have become a scarce commodity, with tickets selling out at unprecedented rates.
A representative from Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines highlighted the dire situation, noting that all flights to Larnaca were booked for the foreseeable future. With no clear indication of when the next available flight might be, the tension for those seeking to leave is palpable. The critical timing of this mission is underscored by the scarcity of available flights, with Cyprus Airways also reporting a sell-out of all tickets to Larnaca until late October.
Regional Instability and Cyprus’ Readiness
The unfolding situation in Lebanon has led to a significant exodus, with the United Nations reporting that around 100,000 individuals have sought refuge in Syria following the latest conflicts. The gravity of the circumstances is further underlined by Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Makati’s remarks on the displacement of a staggering one million people within Lebanon due to the ongoing aerial assaults.
In response to the volatile environment, Cyprus has been actively maintaining its ‘Estia’ plan, a state of high alert and preparedness. Though not yet activated at the time of the evacuation, Cyprus has carefully laid out preparations. Photographs have shown an array of large tents erected within Larnaca port, anticipated to manage the influx and provide essential services such as registration and administration for arrivals.
Cyprus has historically been a sanctuary during regional unrest. Whether helping EU and third-country nationals or acting as a hub for repatriation, the island has demonstrated both capacity and willingness to assist. The ‘Estia’ plan, previously initiated in response to attacks in the region, exemplifies Cyprus’s commitment to humanitarian assistance.
International Repercussions
The tension in Lebanon is not isolated; it resonates throughout the region. Just recently, Iran fired a series of missiles at Israel, a direct consequence of Israel’s targeted killing of Hezbollah’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. In retaliation, nearly 200 missiles were launched, with the Iranian revolutionary guard threatening even more severe repercussions should Israel counterstrike.
Israel’s military, while advising citizens to vacate bomb shelters, has not reported any casualties from these attacks. However, the region remains tense, with Israel conducting operations in southern Lebanon and striking central Beirut, marking a significant escalation since the conflicts in 2006.
In these turbulent times, the Greek aircraft’s mission is a testament to international cooperation and support for citizens in distress. It underscores the importance of swift action and readiness to help those in need, a principle that nations like Cyprus continue to uphold.
What is Greece doing to help Cypriot nationals in Lebanon?
Greece has dispatched a Lockheed C-130 transport aircraft to evacuate Cypriot nationals from Lebanon due to rising safety concerns. The aircraft is carrying approximately 60 passengers, predominantly Cypriots and Greeks, from Beirut to Larnaca, Cyprus, and then onward to Athens. This evacuation is crucial as commercial flights have become increasingly scarce in the region.
How many passengers are on the Greek aircraft, and where are they being taken?
The Lockheed C-130 transport aircraft is set to carry around 60 individuals, with 45 of them confirmed as Cypriot nationals. The flight will first land in Larnaca, Cyprus, allowing the Cypriot passengers to disembark before the aircraft continues to Athens. This operation is essential as commercial flights to Larnaca are fully booked for the foreseeable future.
What preparations has Cyprus made for the arrival of evacuees?
Cyprus has been actively preparing for the potential influx of evacuees through its ‘Estia’ plan, which ensures the country is on high alert and ready to provide humanitarian assistance. Although the plan was not activated at the time of the evacuation, large tents have been set up at Larnaca port to manage arrivals and offer essential services such as registration and administration.
What is the current situation in Lebanon that prompted this evacuation?
The situation in Lebanon has become increasingly unstable, with reports of significant conflict leading to a mass exodus of people. The United Nations has indicated that around 100,000 individuals have sought refuge in Syria due to the ongoing violence, and it is estimated that one million people have been displaced within Lebanon itself. The tensions have also involved regional actors, further complicating the situation and heightening safety concerns for foreign nationals, including Cypriots.
