Spain Prepares Evacuation Plan Amid Escalating Violence in Lebanon
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that an evacuation plan for its citizens in Lebanon is in place, although no specific details have been disclosed. This announcement follows a statement made by Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares in New York, where he is attending events during the UN High-Level Week alongside the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
The situation in Lebanon has become increasingly dire, with official sources expressing deep concern over the escalating violence in the region. The death toll has surpassed 500, while more than 1,600 individuals have been reported injured.
In light of these alarming developments, officials have stressed that the evacuation plan is prepared and will be activated only if deemed necessary, although they have refrained from providing further specifics. In southern Lebanon, where the violence is most acute, Spanish soldiers remain deployed as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Defense Minister Margarita Robles has reported that Spanish troops currently maintain high morale but have suspended external patrols to ensure their safety.
Currently, there are approximately 650 Spanish personnel under the UNIFIL mandate, tasked with monitoring the ceasefire along the Blue Line, which separates Israel and Lebanon. This mission is crucial given the ongoing tensions and frequent violations by both Lebanese and Israeli forces.
The leadership of UNIFIL has denied any orders or recommendations for evacuation from Israeli authorities, stating that the mission remains operational with all 10,500 peacekeeping troops from 49 countries still on the ground in southern Lebanon. Recent social media claims regarding evacuation orders for the Irish contingent based on violent escalations were dismissed as false.
The UN mission, established in 1978 and bolstered in 2006 after the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, aims to maintain peace along the Lebanon-Israel border and assist Lebanon in strengthening its governmental authority in the region. Spain has contributed troops to this effort since 2006, becoming an integral part of the peacekeeping force that monitors the area and promotes stability.
As of now, Spanish forces are engaged primarily in essential activities due to the high tension in the region, with ongoing communication between Defense Minister Robles and the head of the Spanish contingent. The overall operational activities conducted by UNIFIL amount to about 14,500 each month, including collaborative efforts with the Lebanese Armed Forces.
In a setting where the humanitarian situation is increasingly critical, the Spanish government remains committed to supporting regional stability while ensuring the safety of its personnel and citizens abroad.
Related Sources: