2024-10-04 07:21:52
This Thursday, in the morning, the Colombian Air Force aircraft landed at the Catam military airport that repatriated 117 Colombians from Lebanon, who escaped the conflict that has shaken the country in recent days.
The crisis in Lebanon has been marked by bombings and ground raids by the Israeli army against Hezbollahwhich has increased the danger for local and foreign citizens.
Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo personally received the repatriates as they boarded the aircraft. In his message, he expressed: “We want to make a second flight for those who remained there”. The statement was received with applause and hope by those who had managed to escape the conflict, among them, Brillit Anzola, who expressed his concern for those who still remain in the country: “There are many people there who want to leave, the situation in Lebanon is “Every day it is more tense, every day it is more dangerous.”
President Gustavo Petro also welcomed the evacuees through a message on social networks, stating: “Welcome, Colombians. From here we shout No to war. No to genocide”.
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The Minister of Defense, Iván Velásquez, did not spare his praise for the Colombian Air Force, highlighting the value of the crew when they entered the Beirut airport in the midst of an active war situation.
The conflict in Lebanon escalated last week when Israel launched a military offensive against Hezbollah positions, leading to a large-scale humanitarian crisis in the region. Against this backdrop, the Colombian government, in coordination with the Air Force, plans to organize a second evacuation flight, which will also include humanitarian aid and supplies for the Lebanese civilian population that faces the constant risk of attacks.
Chancellor Murillo confirmed that the scheduling of the second flight will depend on the security conditions in the areabut he stressed the urgency of continuing to assist compatriots who still remain in the country in conflict. »These flights are accompanied by humanitarian aid, provisions for the civilian population that is in a serious situation of risk,” concluded the chancellor.
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