Russia has evacuated 60 family members of diplomats from Lebanon as Israel intensifies its military operations against Hezbollah, according to a report from the state-run TASS news agency.
The evacuation, ordered by President Vladimir Putin, was carried out by the Emergency Services Ministry. The families were flown out on an IL-76 aircraft typically used to transport heavy cargo.
On its way to Beirut, the plane delivered 33 tons of humanitarian aid, including food, medical supplies, essential goods, and 80 kW generators.
The evacuation flight did not include other Russian citizens in Lebanon, according to the state-run Rossiskaya Gazeta newspaper. However, the Russian Embassy in Beirut advised any Russians wishing to leave to do so via commercial flights from Beirut airport.
“If the situation continues to deteriorate, further evacuation flights will be arranged,” the Gazeta reported.
The Russian Embassy estimated that over 3,000 Russian citizens are currently in Lebanon, with at least 1,000 expressing a desire to leave as of September 25, according to Kommersant Business Daily.
This evacuation comes as Israel launched a ground incursion into Lebanon following a week of intense airstrikes, which have resulted in hundreds of deaths and widespread international condemnation.
Moscow has condemned Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and called for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops from the country.
