FAB arrives in Libado to rescue 220 Brazilians

Brazilian government plane arrives in Lebanon

Israel carried out a new ground operation in the early hours of Saturday (5), with attempts to infiltrate a city in southern Lebanon, according to the extremist group Hezbollah, which resulted in armed clashes. At the same time, the capital Beirut was bombed again. The attacks have hit not only Hezbollah military targets, but also civilians, including Brazilian citizens, two of whom have died since the conflict intensified on September 20.

Since Monday (23), Itamaraty has been discussing the need to carry out a repatriation operation for Brazilians in Lebanon, as the situation is getting worse. The big debate revolved around choosing the safest route for rescue. The Brazilian embassy in Beirut, in turn, has been carrying out consultations with the local community since the previous Tuesday, looking for Brazilians willing to return to Brazil. The number of interested parties has gradually increased, although there are fluctuations, with some families withdrawing or leaving on their own and others being added to the list as the situation deteriorates.

In response to the conflict, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) plane, model KC-30, was mobilized as part of the rescue operation called “Raízes do Cedro”. The aircraft took off from Rio de Janeiro in the early hours of Wednesday (2), making a stop in Portugal before heading to Lebanon. Initially, the flight was scheduled to depart on Friday (4), but security issues resulted in it being postponed until Saturday morning (5).

With the aircraft’s arrival in Beirut at 11:22 am (Brasília time), it is planned to repatriate up to 220 Brazilians and their families. However, Itamaraty has not yet confirmed the official list of passengers, as this number may vary if some decide not to board. Arrival in Brazil is scheduled for Sunday (6), at Guarulhos Air Base (SP). Brigadier Marcelo Damasceno, commander of the Air Force, informed that Brazil has the capacity to repatriate up to 500 people per week. The aircraft is expected to return to Lebanon to pick up more citizens who requested help to leave the conflict zone.

The mission includes a crew made up of doctors, nurses and psychologists to assist the returnees, many of whom come from regions such as the Bekaa Valley and the capital Beirut, where the majority of Brazilians are concentrated.