Govt starts evacuating Kenyans in Lebanon over war fears

The government of Kenya has started evacuation plans for its citizens in Lebanon over war fears.

In a statement on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs advised Kenyans to move to safer places and register with the government for evacuation.

“Kenyans in Lebanon, we have noted with deep concern the unfolding situation in Lebanon. Urgently register with us through this link: https://tinyurl.com/2m9nw4ww or call +96590906719 or +96171175006 or +254114757002 for evacuation purposes,” the statement read in part.

“We are appealing to those who can move to safer areas within Lebanon and those able to leave the country to do so. 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.”

Drums of war in Lebanon

The evacuation plans follow growing fears of an escalated conflict in the Middle East after Iran vowed severe retaliation against Israel, which it blames for the death of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

“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 State Department for Diaspora Affairs would like to assure Kenyans in the Diaspora that your safety is our top priority,” the statement added.

Recently, Israel killed Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.

On Monday, The Guardian reported that Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group allied to Iran, hit northern Israel in a drone attack in response to what it called attacks and assassinations carried out by Israel in several villages in south Lebanon. The Israeli military said the attack wounded two soldiers and set off a fire.

The war began in October when Hamas carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 others back to Gaza as hostages.

The attack triggered a massive Israeli military response, which has killed at least 39,480 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.