A Brazilian Air Force (FAB) KC-30 aircraft departed from Lisbon, Portugal, on Saturday, October 5, 2024, to repatriate Brazilians stranded in Lebanon amid escalating military operations. The flight is part of Operation Raízes de Cedro, aiming to bring back up to 500 individuals weekly.
The Brazilian government initiated the repatriation operation following a significant increase in military actions by Israel against Hezbollah, which has led to a precarious situation in Lebanon. The decision to repatriate was made after reports indicated that areas near Beirut’s airport were affected by bombings.
The FAB’s KC-30 aircraft departed Lisbon after a brief delay. The flight is expected to make a stop in Lisbon before returning to Brazil, where the repatriated individuals will arrive at São Paulo’s Air Base on Sunday morning, October 6. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is anticipated to welcome the returnees.
