Given the serious situation in Lebanon, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jose Manuel Albaresasked this Monday the Spaniards who are in the country, in particular WHO They are in transit for tourism or workto leave the country as quickly as possible via the trade routes that are still open, that is to say by boat or by plane. He also clarified that there is an evacuation plan prepared for Spanish residents in case it is necessary to activate it.
Albares too “completely” discouraged undertake trips to Lebanon to all Spaniards who are planning an imminent trip.
“We have been telling the Spaniards who are in Lebanon for some time that they must leave the country by commercial means,” said José Manuel Albares, specifying that there is still an airline, Middle East Airlineswhich operates three weekly flights to Madrid, in addition to having Boat departures to Cyprus, Turkey or Greece.
Concerning the 1,000 Spaniards who reside in Lebanon, the Minister of Foreign Affairs specified that they received an email to those registered at the Spanish Embassy in Lebanon to reconfirm the address and telephone number, and thus be able to contact them in case it is necessary to activate an evacuation plan, already prepared “for the moment when it is necessary to do”, said Minister Albares said in an interview with Radio Catalonia.
In the recommendations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is also recommended to remain attentive to social networks and other means of communication of the Spanish Embassy in Beirut.
Spaniards “whose flights are scheduled in the coming days are also recommended to consult their airline regarding the possibility of schedule changes or flight cancellations.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notably advises against “any movement south of the Litani River and in the Bekaa, because they are particularly dangerous.” And it also points out several high-risk areas that it recommends not going to:
High risk areas that should be avoided
- In Beirut, the districts of Dahiyeh, and in particular the districts of Ouzai, Haret Hreik, Bir Hassan and Moawad Street.
- Border areas between Lebanon and Syria – As a general rule, it is advisable not to approach a 15 km strip. of the Syrian-Lebanese border, except access to Syria through legal border points between the two countries. In any case, remember that travel to Syria is totally not recommended.
- The Bekaa Valley. Areas close to the Syrian border, including the town of Arsal and its surroundings, are still considered high-risk areas. It is considered that any travel across the border area must be carried out with great caution and for a justified reason, in addition to being accompanied by local personnel familiar with the region. In any case, it is not recommended to travel to Syria, even through legal border points authorized by the Lebanese government. On the other hand, this region of the country is traditionally inhabited by numerous criminal groups, notably some dedicated to drug trafficking. These groups are organized into family clans and are generally heavily armed. Clashes between different clans or between them and government forces deployed in the area are quite frequent. Although foreign citizens do not appear to be a specific target for most criminal groups in the region, this area should be considered at risk, as government control over the territory is not as effective as in other regions of the country.
- In the current situation, it is not recommended to go to the Roman ruins of Baalbek.
- Akkar Region – Located in the northern coastal area of the country, next to the border with Syria, this is an area where many criminals also live and where government control of the territory is not as effective as in other regions. other regions of the country. . country which, with its proximity to Syria, makes its visit inadvisable.
- Southern region of the country, UNIFIL area of operations, south of the Litani River (see Important Notes) – Travel south of the Litani River is particularly discouraged.
- Palestinian refugee camps – Some Palestinian refugee camps are closed and controlled by Lebanese and Palestinian security forces, so access is only possible with permission from local authorities. However, it is possible to access other former refugee camps located in urban areas open to the transit of people and vehicles. In the current situation, both the interior and surrounding areas and areas adjacent to all these areas are discouraged as the security situation could suddenly deteriorate. If you decide to travel to these areas, it is recommended that you go there with caution and always accompanied by local staff.
Medium risk areas
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- City of Sidon (Saida), avoiding the Palestinian fields and its surroundings.
- City of Tripoli, the level of security has deteriorated due to the economic crisis which particularly affects this city. The districts of Bab el Tabaneh, Jabal el Monseh and Nahr Abu Ali-Al Mina should be avoided. It is not recommended to go further north, to areas very close to the Syrian border, unless accompanied and for well-justified reasons. It is advisable to find out about possible demonstrations and disruptions due to the economic situation, since they take place relatively frequently in this city.
- In Beirut, Palestinian refugee camps are accessible areas with strong security measures, but in the current situation, attendance at these camps and nearby areas is completely discouraged.
This Monday, Albares also sent a message of solidarity and affection to the nearly 700 Spanish soldiers who are on the Blue Line, which marks the border between Israel and Lebanon, for their “invaluable work” in favor of “the peace and the defense of international law. . “As Minister of Foreign Affairs, I will always stand by you because I will always stand by the UN and the defense of international law and the protection of defenseless civilians,” he added.
