Air Force C-130 aircraft which arrived at 11.00 in the morning in Lebanon, is now taking off, with 60 Greek and Cypriot citizens. Specifically, it is about 22 Greeks and 38 Cypriots who were released from Beirut. The aircraft is expected to arrive at Elefsina at approximately 15:30.

“I was informed in real time at ETHKEPIH by the Chief of the General Directorate of Civil Defense General Dimitrios Houpis about the successful outcome of the operation to release from Beirut 38 citizens of the Republic of Cyprus and 22 citizens of the Hellenic Republic & the entry of the C-130 aircraft of the Air Force into the FIR of Nicosia. Congratulations to those who contributed to the operation,” the Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, said in his post.

The Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, announced the day before yesterday on Platform X that he had a relevant telephone conversation with his Cypriot counterpart, Vassilis Palmas, and that the Greek Air Force will provide a C-130 transport aircraft for the release of Cypriot nationals from Lebanon. .

“Following the request of the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Cyprus in our telephone communication, the Greek Air Force will make available a C-130 transport aircraft for the release of citizens of Cyprus from Lebanon.”

Two C-130s on standby

It is recalled that two C-130s are on standby for the release of Greek citizens from Lebanon, as was decided in a meeting at the Ministry of National Defense ahead of the meeting in the afternoon of the Governmental National Security Council (KYSEA) at the Maximos Palace under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Among other things, the assistance of the Greek Armed Forces in the operation to release Cypriot citizens from Lebanon was examined.

The meeting also discussed the possibility of the assistance of the Armed Forces in an operation to rescue Greek citizens from Lebanon, if necessary, and it was decided to have two additional C-130 transport aircraft on hand.

For the same reason, an order was given by the competent leadership to make available Surface Units of the Navy, including Surface Units capable of transporting civilians.

Finally, the issue of the implementation of operational plans to assist in the release of Greek citizens from the wider region by any available means, if this becomes necessary, was discussed.