Eighty Chinese nationals arrived at Limassol port in Cyprus on a commercial vessel late Tuesday, as part of an evacuation operation from Lebanon.
Cyprus has fully activated its “Estia” plan for receiving and repatriating third-country nationals through both its airports and seaports in response to the escalating tensions in the region.
The Chinese citizens were transported to Limassol after their country initiated evacuation procedures. The operation was conducted as an emergency measure to assist their departure from the port of Lebanon.
Cypriot authorities are reportedly preparing for the arrival of a second vessel at Limassol port, expected to carry a smaller number of passengers.
Israel’s airstrikes and ground invasion of Lebanon have killed more than 1,600 and displaced around 1 million since October 8, 2023.
Cyprus sits around 300 km from Lebanon.
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