UAE nationals in Lebanon evacuated, says envoy

Beirut: The UAE Embassy in Lebanon has started evacuating UAE citizens to Syria for their safety.

Fierce armed clashes have erupted in Beirut between supporters of Lebanon's government and the Hezbollah-led opposition.

Mohammad Sultan Al Suwaidi, UAE's ambassador in Lebanon, told Gulf News that all UAE citizens in Lebanon were fine.

He said the embassy was providing transportation for Emiratis who contacted the embassy. Only 10 people left on Wednesday and 30 more people were taken to Syria by bus on Thursday.

Al Suwaidi said another 20 Emirati families in Beirut, Alayy and other areas were intouch with the embassy. They were advised to stay indoors and avoid going out under the circumstances until their evacuation is arranged.

The embassy has arranged for the evacuation of UAE citizens in Damascus.

UAE nationals in Lebanon and their families in the UAE can contact the embassy for any inquiries on telephone number 009611857000 and 009611857001.

With inputs from WAM