'Leave Lebanon now': India 'strongly' advises its nationals as Israel announces ground invasion in Beirut
"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...," the Indian Embassy said.
Beirut: Amid a war-like situation in Lebanon, India on Wednesday issued a fresh advisory for its nationals asking them to leave the country immediately. The Indian Embassy in Beirut, in a statement, also advised its nationals to refrain from travelling to Lebanon amid the escalating situation in West Asia.
"As a reiteration of the Advisory issued on 1 August 2024 and in view of the recent developments and escalations in the region, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Lebanon till further notice," the Indian Embassy in Beirut said in an X post.
Those who must remain are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and maintain contact with the embassy through their email or emergency phone number.
"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...," it added.
Israel rages war against Hezbollah
Israeli airstrikes this week have targeted Hezbollah leaders and hit hundreds of sites deep inside Lebanon while the group has fired barrages of rockets into Israel, where thousands have fled the border region. Hundreds of Lebanese have been killed.
Earlier today, Israel's military chief told troops that air strikes in Lebanon would continue in order to destroy Hezbollah's infrastructure and to prepare the way for a possible ground operation by Israeli forces. Even as he spoke, news agency Reuters sources said the United States had started a diplomatic push to stop the fighting in both Gaza and Lebanon, and that proposals were being hammered out at the UN General Assembly in New York.
"You hear the jets overhead; we have been striking all day," General Herzi Halevi told Israeli troops on the border with Lebanon, according to a statement from the military. "This is both to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah."
He added: “Today, Hezbollah expanded its range of fire, and later today, they will receive a very strong response. Prepare yourselves.”
(With inputs from agency)