“Lebanon, bombs fall every night… “I’m proud to be Korean.”

97 Lebanese residents and families return home on military transport plane

“I am so thankful that I was able to come safely to the Republic of Korea from a place where bombs fall every night. “I’m more proud than ever of being Korean.”

Yanghee Jeong (70), who arrived at Seongnam Seoul Airport on the afternoon of the 5th aboard the KC-330 Cygnus, a multi-purpose aerial refueling transport aircraft dispatched to Lebanon by the government, shed tears and expressed her feelings about returning home.

Cygnus flew through the airspace of 10 countries, including the Middle East, which was engulfed in war clouds, and arrived in Korea with Korean residents that day. 97 people, including 96 Korean residents and 1 Lebanese family member, got off the plane with bright expressions.

At around 1:05 p.m., the plane door opened and applause poured in as they came out. Family members, acquaintances, and government officials came to the runway to greet them. Vice Minister of National Defense Kim Seon-ho, Second Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang In-seon, and Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Young-soo also welcomed Korean residents and their families.

Kim Seo-kyung (39) and her two daughters, ages 4 and 6, were holding a piece of paper that said, “I love you, soldier, thank you for coming to save us.” Mr. Kim said, “I couldn’t sleep well because my house was shaking due to the shelling,” and “I am so grateful that the government sent a transport plane.”

A 61-year-old man who requested anonymity also said, “Even in the situation of sudden transportation, we were able to return to Korea comfortably thanks to the kind, attentive and professional care we received.” “I feel a feeling that cannot be described in words,” he said.

Lee Kuk-hee (31), who returned to his home country with his wife and daughter, said, “Recently, missiles kept falling near my house, so I decided to leave.” He added, “When I saw the military transport plane for the first time, I was grateful just to be able to return to my home country.” did it

The government decided to deploy military aircraft as civilian flights disappeared in Lebanon. Currently, the Lebanese flag carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), is the only one operating locally, but it is known to be difficult to obtain tickets.

This operation, which departed from Korea on the 3rd and returned to Korea from Beirut, took place over 38 hours without overnight stay.

Lee Jae-yong, head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ rapid response team, said, “When we went out to greet our citizens at Beirut Airport, black smoke was rising not far from the airport,” and “I was able to realize once again that this is an unsafe place.” .

He continued, “Among the 97 people evacuated this time, over 30% were minors, including infants and toddlers,” and added, “I felt a great sense of accomplishment.”

As of the 2nd, the number of Korean residents staying in Lebanon until the transfer operation was counted at about 130, excluding embassy staff. It is known that there are around 34 Koreans still remaining in Lebanon. Ambassador to Lebanon Park Il and other diplomatic officials did not withdraw.

The government deployed Cygnus, known as the ‘gas station in the sky,’ several times in evacuation operations for Koreans staying in risky areas. When Israel was attacked by the Palestinian armed faction Hamas in October last year, Cygnus played a role in transporting 220 people, including 163 citizens, 51 Japanese and their families, and 6 Singaporeans.

Due to Israel’s invasion of southeastern Lebanon, an all-out war has broken out between the Israeli army and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

Reporter Lee Hyun-mi engine@segye.com

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