Twelfth flight repatriating Brazilians from Lebanon lands in São Paulo
The 12th flight of operation Raízes do Cedro (“Cedar Roots”), set up by the government to repatriate Brazilians and their families from the conflict zone in Lebanon, landed at São Paulo Air Base on Wednesday (Nov. 20) with 204 people on board, the Brazilian Air Force reported.
The operation, which began on October 5, has so far repatriated 2,513 people and 33 pets. This is the largest mission to repatriate Brazilians from a conflict zone in history.
The government stated that the Brazilian Foreign Ministry is still in contact with Brazilians and their relatives through the embassy in Beirut, providing assistance and evaluating the need for new flights.
“The Brazilian government reiterates its warning that everyone should follow the security guidelines of the local authorities and that those who have the resources should try to leave Lebanese territory by their own means,” the government declared.
The airport in Beirut is said to be still active, with daily flights operated by the Lebanese airline Middle East Airlines. After talks with the Brazilian embassy in Beirut, the company has been prioritizing passengers with Brazilian passports on its flights to Madrid, Frankfurt, London, and Rome.
The operation was ordered by President Lula following the confrontation between Israel and the Hezbollah group, which operates in Lebanon. Logistics involve the deployment of Brazilian Air Force aircraft and officials, as well as coordination by the ministry.
