Ottawa advises over 20,000 Canadians that Lebanon evacuation is not guaranteed
Global Affairs Canada is cautioning over 20,000 Canadians in Lebanon that they should not depend on government evacuation flights if conflict escalates in the country.
The department reports that 21,399 Canadians have officially registered as being in Lebanon, though the actual number is likely higher.
Despite Canada’s continuous advisories for people to leave Lebanon and avoid traveling there, many have still proceeded with their travel plans, including visits to family, according to diaspora groups.
In recent weeks, peer countries that had not yet instructed their citizens to depart did so as tensions rise between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.
Canada has been making arrangements since last October for a potential evacuation of its citizens and has deployed military personnel to Lebanon and Cyprus in preparation.
However, Canada stresses that evacuations may not always be feasible.
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On July 30, Israel conducted a rare attack on Beirut, Lebanon, reporting the death of a senior Hezbollah commander. This commander was allegedly responsible for a rocket strike that resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights over the weekend.
The strike led to the death of at least one woman and two children, with numerous others wounded.
“The Canadian government does not guarantee evacuations of Canadians in crisis situations,” stated Global Affairs Canada.
“Canadians should not rely on the Canadian government for assistance with departures or evacuations. Government-aided evacuations from a foreign country are a last resort option, utilized when all personal and commercial transportation methods have been exhausted, and the safety of its citizens is compromised.”
Canada has previously utilized military aircraft to bring citizens back from crises in Israel and Sudan to nearby countries, where they could then arrange for commercial flights back home.
