There are no Armenians among those affected from the bombings in Beirut, and Armenian structures were not damaged, Shahan Kandaharian, editor of Beirut’s Armenian daily Aztag, told Armenian News-NEWS.am.
“Israel continues to carry out targeted strikes in various directions, not only in the southern region [of Lebanon], but also in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Today, a hotel in the Christian neighborhood was even targeted. It has already been reported that there are 50 dead and many injured in total. Israel has called on residents of southern Lebanon to leave, because there is a plan for invasion operations. The situation is complex and worrying, as well as unpredictable,” Kandaharian noted.
When asked what the situation is in the Armenian community, and whether there are any Armenians who want to leave Lebanon, the editor of the Aztag daily replied: “There is no panic, but uncertainty prevails. Armenians, like everyone living in Lebanon, are worried at the moment, but there are no discussions about leaving the country. Schools and universities are closed these days, because refugees are being accommodated in schools. Foreign airlines have temporarily suspended flights, Lebanese airlines are operating in limited directions. Shops are open, but the market is not working as normal. I would not say that the streets are deserted, but there is no previous activeness. It is difficult to say how events will develop.”
Kandaharian noted that explosions are often heard in the Armenian neighborhoods of Beirut both at night and during the day, since the targeted facilities are not that far from the Armenian neighborhoods.
The US and Israel have been carrying out attacks on Iran since February 28, which has led to destruction and casualties.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Seyyed Khamenei, and several other high-ranking Iranian officials were also killed in the attacks.
In response, Iran has launched missile strikes on Israel and US military bases in the region.
On Monday, the Hezbollah movement also entered the war against Israel, and the latter announced the launch of an offensive operation against the movement and entered southern Lebanon.
