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Operation to repatriate Brazilians from Lebanon postponed

Brazil claims lack of security for land convoys to the airport
Agência Brasil - Brasília
Published on 04/10/2024 - 12:38
Agência Brasil - Brasília
Rio de Janeiro (RJ), 01/10/2024 - Avião da FAB que vai resgatar brasileiros no Líbano. Foto: FAB/Divulgação
© FAB/Divulgação

Operation Cedar Roots, aimed at repatriating Brazilians from Lebanon, has been postponed. Originally scheduled to commence this Friday (Oct. 4), the return of 220 citizens has been delayed due to insufficient security for their transport to the airport.

“Due to the necessity for enhanced security measures for the ground convoys heading to the airport in the Lebanese capital, the operation for the first Brazilian repatriation flight scheduled for today (4) has been postponed. Updates regarding the flight will be communicated throughout the day,” stated the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In the early hours of today, at least one Israeli attack hit the perimeter of Beirut's international airport, according to a source in Lebanon's Ministry of Transport and Public Works.

The Brazilian government aims to repatriate approximately 500 individuals each week, prioritizing elderly people, women, children, and those with medical needs.

Approximately 21,000 Brazilians reside in Lebanon. On Tuesday (1), the Brazilian government announced that at least 3,000 of them had contacted the Embassy in Beirut to request repatriation.

Conflict

In recent days, Lebanon has come under intensified Israeli attacks amid escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Israel claims that its operations are aimed at combating Hezbollah members within Lebanese territory.