By Debra Rono
The Kenyan government through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, has called upon its citizens residing and working in Lebanon to register for immediate evacuation in light of escalating tensions resulting from the ongoing conflict in the region.
In a statement dated August 6, 2024, the government provided a registration link and contact numbers to facilitate safety coordination for Kenyans.
“Urgently register with us through this link: https://tinyurl.com/2m9nw4ww or call +96590906719/+96171175006/+254114757002 for evacuation purposes,” the statement indicated.
“For Kenyans with family members in Lebanon, kindly call +254114757002 number provided for ease of safety coordination or visit our offices at the Old Mutual Building, Ground floor along Upper Hill Road,” the statement further elaborated.
The government is also urging Kenyans in Lebanon to relocate to safer areas and for those who can evacuate to do so promptly.
“We are appealing to those who can move to safer areas within Lebanon and those able to leave the country to do so,” the statement emphasized.
“We are also requesting Kenyans in the Diaspora to help convey this information to as many people as possible especially our brothers and sisters in Lebanon. For further updates and assistance, stay tuned to our social media pages,” the statement further emphasized.
This evacuation notice comes amid concerns over escalating conflict in the Middle East, particularly after Iran pledged retaliation against Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismael Haniyeh in Tehran last week. Just hours before Haniyeh’s death, an Israeli airstrike targeted a building in Beirut, resulting in the death of Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur.
Several countries, including the United States, France, Canada, and Britain, have begun evacuating their citizens from Lebanon, with multiple airlines suspending operations in the region.
Reports indicate that Hezbollah militants, backed by Iran, launched 30 projectiles toward northern Israel overnight from Saturday to Sunday, although most were intercepted. The two opposing factions have engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire since then.