The Turkish Ministry of National Defense announced that two ships carrying 966 civilians, including Turkish and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) citizens, have departed from Beirut, Lebanon, heading for Mersin, Türkiye. The evacuation comes as many countries conduct similar operations amid ongoing Israeli attacks in Lebanon.

The evacuees include 878 Turkish citizens, 24 TRNC citizens, and 64 of their first-degree relatives. The Turkish Navy’s ships, TCG Sancaktar and TCG Bayraktar, are being escorted by two frigates and two patrol ships for protection. The vessels are expected to arrive at Mersin Port in the evening.