About 15 Irish people have fled Lebanon following the escalation of violence in the Middle East, the Department of Foreign Affairs said today.
The group travelled with an Italian convoy out of the country and headed to Cyprus, where they were being flown by military planes to Larnaca.
Details of the operation emerged as the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin issued a helpline number for anyone concerned about Irish citizens in the Lebanon. The number to call in Ireland is 1800242548.
It is understood plans are also being drawn up for possible the evacuation of the remaining 100 Irish citizens from Beirut and other parts of the Lebanon.
Violence has flared in the Lebanon and Israel following the seizure of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah militants.
In a series of Israeli raids more than 70 Lebanese have been killed. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah vowed to wage open war on Israel after his Beirut offices were bombed yesterday.