Greek Military Plane Lands in Larnaca with Evacuated Cypriots
A Greek military plane carrying Cypriot citizens who were evacuated from Lebanon landed safely at Larnaca airport on Thursday. The Lockheed C-130 transport aircraft was provided by the Greek Defence Ministry to assist in the urgent evacuation of Cypriot nationals amid growing instability in Lebanon.
Evacuation Effort: A Coordinated Operation
The Greek military plane touched down in Larnaca just after 1 p.m., before it continued its journey towards Athens. This successful operation marks a significant effort by Greece and Cyprus to ensure the safety of their citizens.
Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias confirmed the success of the mission, stating that he was kept informed in real-time by Greece’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis. The mission safely evacuated 38 Cypriot nationals and 22 Greek nationals from Beirut, highlighting the collaboration between both countries.
Additional Evacuations Expected
According to Cypriot Foreign Ministry spokesman Theodoros Gotsis, further evacuations are likely to take place. He shared this information earlier on Thursday, indicating that more developments could unfold throughout the day.
The decision to send the Greek military plane came after a phone call between Dendias and his Cypriot counterpart, Vasilis Palmas, on Tuesday night. This swift response by both nations demonstrates their commitment to protecting their citizens in times of crisis.
Flight Shortages and the Importance of the Greek Military Plane
With commercial flight tickets selling out quickly due to the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, the arrival of the Greek military plane was crucial. Middle East Airlines and Cyprus Airways, which operate flights from Beirut to Larnaca, are fully booked until the end of October. This has left many people scrambling for alternatives.
The Greek military plane provided a vital option for Cypriots to leave Lebanon safely, as other evacuation routes remain limited.
Cyprus Ready with ‘Estia Plan’
Cyprus continues to maintain a high level of preparedness through its ‘Estia’ plan. This plan positions Cyprus as a hub for evacuating European Union and third-country nationals from conflict zones in the region. The government has placed large tents in Larnaca port to assist in registering arrivals and handling administrative matters if further evacuations are necessary.
Although the Estia plan has not yet been fully activated, Cyprus is ready to act if the situation worsens. The Cypriot government has been on standby since early summer, and the country is prepared to help in evacuations from Lebanon and other conflict-affected areas.
Cooperation with International Forces
Cyprus has not only worked with Greece but also coordinated with other international forces. For example, the United Kingdom sent 700 troops and officials to Cyprus to assist with contingency planning for possible scenarios in Lebanon.
This cooperation ensures that the Greek military plane evacuation is just one aspect of a larger, coordinated international effort. The UK’s foreign office has reopened its “Register Your Presence” scheme, which helps keep British citizens in Lebanon informed and supported during the crisis.
Rising Tensions in Lebanon
The situation in Lebanon continues to escalate. Recent missile attacks from Iran in retaliation for Israeli military actions have added to the instability in the region. Nearly 200 missiles were launched from Iran towards Israel on Tuesday, further complicating the political landscape.
In response to this growing violence, Israel has taken military action in southern Lebanon and central Beirut, with the United Nations reporting that over 100,000 people have fled to Syria.
With these ongoing developments, the presence of the Greek military plane has become an essential part of ensuring the safety of citizens in the region.
Cyprus’ Readiness for Evacuations
Despite the challenges, Cyprus has demonstrated its readiness through the Estia plan. This plan was activated in similar situations last year, such as during the evacuation of nationals from Sudan and Israel. In total, over 2,600 people arrived in Cyprus last April during the Sudan conflict, and more than 1,000 came from Israel in October.
The success of the Greek military plane evacuation shows that Cyprus is well-prepared to continue playing a critical role in managing evacuations from conflict zones.
Conclusion
The arrival of the Greek military plane in Larnaca is a testament to the coordinated efforts of Greece and Cyprus. As tensions continue to rise in Lebanon, the quick and effective evacuation of Cypriot citizens is a reminder of the importance of international collaboration in times of crisis. With the Estia plan ready to be activated if needed, Cyprus stands prepared to offer further assistance.
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