WASHINGTON: The United States organized a flight from Beirut to Istanbul on Wednesday to allow Americans to leave Lebanon amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.
Miller told a press briefing that around 7,000 US citizens in Lebanon had registered with the US government to receive information about leaving the country, although not all of those are looking for assistance to leave.
The flight on Wednesday had a capacity of about 300 and carried around 100 Americans and their family members, Miller said, adding Washington had been working with airlines since Saturday to make seats available to Americans on commercial flights.
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US organized a flight out of Beirut as Americans seek to leave Lebanon, says State Dept
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US organized a flight out of Beirut as Americans seek to leave Lebanon, says State Dept
- The flight on Wednesday had a capacity of about 300 and carried around 100 Americans
UAE to withdraw counter-terrorism units in Yemen, reiterates respect for Saudi sovereignty
- Abu Dhabi emphasized its commitment to maintaining close coordination with Riyadh on all matters of mutual concern
ABU DHABI: The UAE announced the withdrawal of its remaining counter-terrorism units in Yemen on Tuesday, citing recent developments and concerns over the safety and effectiveness of ongoing operations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and carried on Emirates News Agency, the Ministry of Defense said the decision was taken voluntarily and in coordination with relevant international partners, ensuring the safety of UAE personnel
The move follows a comprehensive assessment of current conditions and aligns with the UAE’s broader commitments to regional security and stability, the statement added.
The ministry reiterated that the UAE formally ended its military presence in Yemen in 2019 after completing its agreed missions as part of the Arab Coalition supporting Yemen’s legitimate government.
Since then, its presence had been limited to specialized counter-terrorism teams operating alongside international partners.
The UAE has been part of the Arab Coalition since 2015, contributing to efforts to support legitimacy in Yemen, combat terrorist organisations, and promote security and stability in the country, the statement added.
Earlier on Tuesday, the UAE reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security and sovereignty, rejecting any actions that could threaten the Kingdom or undermine regional stability.
In a statement issued in response to recent remarks by Saudi Arabia regarding developments in Yemen, the UAE stressed that it fully respects Saudi Arabia’s national security and considers the fraternal and historical ties between the two countries a cornerstone of regional stability.
Abu Dhabi emphasized its commitment to maintaining close coordination with Riyadh on all matters of mutual concern.
The UAE said its position since the start of events in Yemen’s eastern governorates of Hadramawt and Al-Mahra has been focused on containing tensions, supporting de-escalation, and working toward understandings that preserve security, stability, and the protection of civilians, in coordination with Saudi Arabia.
Abu Dhabi categorically rejected any attempt to implicate it in tensions between Yemeni factions, condemning allegations that it pressured or directed any party to carry out military operations that threaten Saudi Arabia’s security or target its borders.
The UAE also called for recent developments in eastern Yemen to be handled responsibly to prevent escalation, urging reliance on verified facts and coordination among all relevant parties to safeguard shared interests and maintain regional security and stability.
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