Kuwait has commenced the evacuation of its nationals from Lebanon following a renewed advisory from its foreign ministry urging citizens to leave amidst heightened security concerns.
On Saturday, Kuwait Airways dispatched its first aircraft to Lebanon to facilitate the evacuation process, reported the official Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). The initiative comes as tensions escalate in the region, particularly amid increased cross-border activities involving Hezbollah and Israel.
In a statement issued on Friday, Kuwait’s foreign ministry reiterated its call for citizens to avoid traveling to Lebanon due to ongoing security developments. For those already in the country without urgent reasons to stay, the ministry urged them to depart at the earliest opportunity.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts involved in organizing the evacuation, KUNA noted that Kuwait Airways expressed gratitude to the relevant authorities for their support in establishing what was described as an “air bridge” to bring back Kuwaiti nationals from Beirut.
The airline announced that it has deployed larger aircraft to accommodate the returning citizens, underscoring Kuwait’s proactive measures amid regional uncertainties.
The decision to evacuate Kuwaiti citizens follows a series of cross-border incidents involving Hezbollah, backed by Iran, and Israel, amid broader regional tensions exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Despite international efforts to de-escalate the situation, concerns persist over the potential for further military engagements between the parties.
As the situation continues to evolve, Kuwait remains vigilant in ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad, reflecting ongoing diplomatic efforts to manage regional challenges.
