'Leave Lebanon': Indian Embassy in Beirut issues advisory for nationals
What's the story
The Indian Embassy in Beirut has issued a safety advisory for its citizens amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In an X post, Embassy of India in Beirut wrote, "As a reiteration of the Advisory issued on 1 August 2024 and in view of the recent developments and escalations in the region, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Lebanon till further notice."
"All Indian nationals already in Lebanon are also strongly advised to leave Lebanon," it added.
Evacuation call
UK Prime Minister urges citizens to evacuate Lebanon
"Those who remain for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Beirut," the advisory said.
Similarly, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged British citizens in Lebanon to "leave immediately" due to the intensifying conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The UK has deployed approximately 700 troops to Cyprus in preparation for potential emergencies.
Twitter Post
Read the advisory here
Advisory dated 25.09.2024 pic.twitter.com/GFUVYaqgzG
— India in Lebanon (@IndiaInLebanon) September 25, 2024
Further escalation
Israel hints at Lebanon ground invasion to 'decisively destroy' Hezbollah
Meanwhile, the Israeli military is reportedly preparing for a possible ground operation in Lebanon, aiming to "decisively destroy" Hezbollah's infrastructure.
This follows three days of airstrikes on over 2,000 Hezbollah targets in the country.
Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, Israel's army chief, has informed soldiers that they are "attacking" Lebanon to prepare for potential entry into the country.