Amid escalating conflict between Israel and Lebanon, the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the successful evacuation of 24 TRNC citizens and their families from Lebanon. Tragically, one evacuee, Said Ezbek, passed away during the journey due to a heart attack.

The ministry reported that the evacuated individuals safely arrived in Mersin aboard two ships belonging to the Turkish Naval Forces.

The statement also conveyed the sad news that one of the evacuees, 1949-born Said Ezbek, a TRNC citizen originally from Minareliköy, suffered a heart attack during the journey and passed away.

His body was transported by helicopter to Gülseren Military Barracks and then transferred to the morgue at Gazimağusa State Hospital.

The evacuation was conducted in coordination with Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense, as tensions between Israel and Lebanon escalated.

The 24 TRNC citizens and their immediate family members, had contacted the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs call centre or Türkiye’s diplomatic missions.

In its message, the ministry expressed condolences, stating: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and wish them strength during this difficult time. We also offer our deepest gratitude and appreciation to our motherland Türkiye and the Turkish Armed Forces for their unwavering support.”

Meanwhile, the Turkish Embassy in Lefkoşa also released a statement regarding the evacuation of TRNC citizens from Lebanon and the unfortunate loss of life during the process.

In the statement, the embassy announced, “Our two ships, which evacuated 966 individuals from Lebanon, have successfully reached Mersin. Additionally, 24 TRNC citizens, whom we do not view as separate from our citizens, have also been transported to our country on the same ships. We express our condolences for the TRNC citizen who lost his life during the evacuation and extend our sympathies to his family. Our country will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure the safety and security of TRNC citizens.”