ANKARA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Türkiye announced on Tuesday that it will evacuate Turkish citizens from Lebanon on Wednesday via sea routes, as Israel's bombing of the country intensifies.
Two ships from the Turkish navy are scheduled to depart for Beirut on Tuesday as part of the operation, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The two vessels have a combined capacity of approximately 2,000 passengers, the statement said, adding that evacuation details will be communicated to citizens who have already contacted the consulate call center.
If necessary, evacuation efforts will continue in the following days, the ministry said.
It said that the vessels will also carry humanitarian aid to Lebanon.
The Israeli military has been conducting an air campaign in Lebanon, dubbed "Arrows of the North," since Sept. 23, in response to escalating tensions with Hezbollah, marking a significant intensification of hostilities.
Hezbollah and Israeli forces have been exchanging fire across the Lebanese-Israeli border since Oct. 8, 2023, fueling concerns of a wider conflict as the war between Hamas and Israel continues in the Gaza Strip. ■
