India has again urged its citizens to leave Lebanon in view of reports that said Israel is preparing its troops for a possible invasion of the country.
In an updated advisory issued on Wednesday, the Indian embassy in Beirut also strongly advised Indian nationals not to travel to Lebanon “in view of the recent developments and escalations in the region”.
“All Indian nationals already in Lebanon are also strongly advised to leave 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 through our email ID: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128,” the advisory added.
The updated advisory was issued as Israel continued its attacks across Lebanon that have already killed more than 620 people and injured thousands more. Israel’s military chief Herzi Halevi has told troops that the air strikes on Lebanon will continue to destroy Hezbollah’s infrastructure and to prepare for a possible ground offensive.
{{/usCountry}}The updated advisory was issued as Israel continued its attacks across Lebanon that have already killed more than 620 people and injured thousands more. Israel’s military chief Herzi Halevi has told troops that the air strikes on Lebanon will continue to destroy Hezbollah’s infrastructure and to prepare for a possible ground offensive.
{{/usCountry}}According to the website of the Indian embassy in Beirut, there are nearly 4,000 Indian nationals in Lebanon, and a majority of them are employed as workers in companies, the construction sector and agricultural farms.
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Indian Army personnel have also been deployed with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since November 1998.
On August 1, the Indian embassy had issued an advisory asking citizens to leave Lebanon because of “potential threats in the region” following an escalation of tensions due to the killing of leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah.