The Lebanese navy rescued 99 people, all of Syrian nationality, aboard two makeshift boats off the coast of Tripoli in northern Lebanon on Saturday, as they attempted to reach Cyprus, according to oucorrespondent.
The individuals were on two boats that broke down at sea, our correspondent reported. Naval forces towed the boats into Lebanese waters and evacuated all passengers with the assistance of Lebanese Red Cross paramedics and Civil Defense teams. Four people received medical treatment on the scene. An investigation is underway.
Migrants departing from Lebanon are primarily heading toward Cyprus. Many are Syrians fleeing their war-torn country or seeking to escape the difficult living conditions in Lebanon, which is suffering from an economic crisis. Additionally, following Israel’s military escalation against Hezbollah on Sept. 23, General Security revealed that more than 400,000 people had fled to Syria due to the conflict.