The Indian embassy in Lebanon has successfully facilitated the return of five Indian nationals from the Gulf region, expressing gratitude to Lebanese authorities for their cooperation in ensuring a smooth exit. In a post on X, the embassy stated, 'The embassy of India in Beirut has successfully facilitated the return of 5 Indian nationals to India. Our sincere thanks to the Lebanese authorities for their cooperation and support in facilitating their smooth exit.'
Diplomatic Engagement for Diaspora Welfare
Earlier on April 15, Indian Ambassador to Lebanon, Noor Rahman Sheikh, met Director General of the General Security Department, Major General Hassan Choucair, to discuss the welfare of the Indian diaspora and other issues of mutual interest. The embassy shared on X, 'Ambassador HE Noor Rahman Sheikh met Director general of general security department Maj Gen Hassan Choucair and discussed issues of mutual interest including cooperation in capacity building and welfare of Indian community in Lebanon.'
Previous Repatriation Efforts
On March 11, the first batch of 177 Indian nationals was repatriated to Delhi via a charter flight arranged by their company. Ambassador Noor Rahman Sheikh saw them off at Beirut International Airport. The embassy reiterated its commitment to assisting Indian nationals in Lebanon, as stated in an Instagram post.
Regional Tensions and Ceasefire Violations
Meanwhile, Israeli air attacks on southern and eastern Lebanon have resulted in at least 13 deaths and over 12 injuries, violating a US-brokered ceasefire from last month, according to Al Jazeera. In the town of Zellaya in eastern Lebanon, an Israeli airstrike killed four people and injured three others, as reported by local sources.
On May 5, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck a structure from which two armed Hezbollah terrorists launched an anti-tank missile. The IDF also dismantled explosives in a Hezbollah weapons storage facility. In a post on X, the IDF said, 'IDF troops inside a Hezbollah weapons storage facility prior to its dismantling where dozens of explosive devices and anti-tank missiles were located. In addition, several weapons storage facilities were dismantled, and ~15 Hezbollah infrastructure sites were struck.'
