Second flight leaves Lebanon with 227 people, three pets rescued from conflict zone

The Brazilian Air Force KC-30 took off from Beirut at 12:30 p.m. (Brasília time) with 227 Brazilian citizens and their families, as well as three pets, rescued from Lebanon in the second stage of Operation Cedar Roots [Operação Raízes do Cedro]. The group includes 49 children (seven of which are infants). During the flight to Brazil, the aircraft will make a technical stop in Lisbon (Portugal), and is scheduled to arrive at the São Paulo Air Base, in Guarulhos, on the morning of Tuesday, October 8.

The first rescue flight arrived in Brazil on Sunday, October 6, with 229 passengers and three pets. Upon arrival in Brazil, they were welcomed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and by a structure set up by the Federal Government to ensure rapid clearance of baggage, regularization of documents, and aid in the fields of health and social assistance. Together, the two flights rescued a total 456 passengers and six pets.

As with the first of the operation’s flight, priority continues to be given to women, children, the elderly and Brazilian citizens who are not residents of Lebanon. This is a joint effort involving teams from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs [Ministério das Relações Exteriores] in Brasília and the Brazilian Embassy in Beirut, as well as operational task force by the Brazilian Air Force [Força Aérea Brasileira/FAB]. It is estimated that the Brazilian community in Lebanon includes around 20,000 people. Around three thousand have shown interest in returning. “Our intention is to bring around 500 people back to the São Paulo air base per week,” stated Air Force commander Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno upon the arrival of the first group of Brazilians and their families.

ITAMARATY GUIDELINES  ̶  The Brazilian government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty), wishes to reiterate its advisory for all individuals to adhere to the security guidelines set forth by local authorities. For those with the means, it is advisable to consider departing Lebanese territory independently. We would also like to inform you that Beirut airport remains operational, primarily hosting regular flights from the Lebanese airline Middle Eastern Airlines. In case you require assistance, the Brazilian consular duty number is still available: +55 (61) 98260-0610 (with WhatsApp).

The Federal Government's KC-30 at Beirut Airport, and Brazilian citizens and their families at the boarding gate. Images: FAB and Embassy of Brazil in Lebanon / Disclosure

RETURNING IN PEACE  ̶  The repatriation and reception operation is similar to that carried out by the Federal Government in October 2023, in Operation Returning in Peace, which repatriated more than 1,500 Brazilian citizens and more than 50 pets from conflict zones in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Israel.

PETS  ̶  The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock [Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária] maintained the flexibility of rules for the entry of dogs and cats. The guidelines facilitate the entry of these animals into Brazil. The departments of International Agricultural Surveillance, alongside the Coordination of Transit and National Integration of Cargo and Passengers, are now adopting a special protocol for pets coming from the Middle East. The procedure allows guardians to enter with their pets without immediately presenting the documents required under normal conditions.

MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS  ̶  The KC-30 used in the repatriation flight has approximately 240 seats, a range of up to 14,500 kilometers, and has been used several times in humanitarian rescue flights for Brazilians in conflict zones in Israel and Gaza since the beginning of the Middle East crisis. This is the largest aircraft operated by FAB, measuring 59 meters in length. It can be used in strategic operations, as logistical support and in humanitarian missions. In cases of calamity, such as natural disasters or medical emergencies, it can also carry out Aeromedical Evacuation missions for multiple patients.

Priority boarding continues to be given to women, children and the elderly. Image: FAB / Disclosure

THE OPERATION  ̶  Operation Cedar Roots was established by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva following the escalation of the confrontation between Israel and the Hezbollah group which operates in Lebanon. The repatriation logistics involve the use of aircraft and personnel from the Brazilian Air Force and intense coordination work by Itamaraty. Minister Mauro Vieira holds frequent talks with the foreign ministers of Lebanon and neighboring countries to safely organize the rescue efforts.