internationalsos.com - Press releases

International SOS Evacuates Clients from Lebanon

17 July 2006

Lebanon

International SOS has successfully evacuated approximately 110 clients from Lebanon over the past 72 hours. The first phase of the evacuation was over land to Damascus, Syria followed by a second phase air evacuation to Larnaca, Cyprus by a dedicated chartered aircraft.  The evacuees, working in Lebanon for a variety of companies and organisations, consist of many nationalities including American, European and local nationals.

Evacuation operations were executed by International SOS teams on the ground in Beirut, Damascus and Larnaca.  The teams include security specialists, medical personnel, operations and client liaison staff, supported by our regional alarm centres in London, Paris, Philadelphia and our security centre in Dubai. 

Over the last three days, the teams have been working closely with local providers on the ground, with the three alarm centres and aviation organisations to successfully escort clients to safety, through a combination of overland transport and charter aircraft. This was only done following a thorough risk assessment, which included careful route reconnaissance by our security specialists on the ground and close liaison with consular staff and international agencies. 

Bob Rushton, Regional Security Director for International SOS, who has been directing the operation from International SOS in London comments, “The very rapid deterioration in the security environment in Lebanon made it necessary for us to immediately mobilize our resources in order to make these evacuations possible.  Our teams on the ground in Beirut, Damascus and Larnaca have been working around the clock to provide assistance and support to clients affected by the crisis.”

He continues, “We are continuing to monitor the situation and providing support to members with staff and family members remaining in Lebanon.  We are also establishing close liaison with those governments that are currently formulating a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation so that we can support these personnel and guide them through the evacuation process.”

Security updates are being provided on a regular basis to clients through the Members’ section of the International SOS website: www.internationalsos.com

For further information:

International SOS members seeking additional information on the situation, or assistance with planning should contact the London Alarm Centre at International SOS on +44 (0) 208 762 8008.  For press enquiries please call Reena Pabari on + 44 (0) 7739 079 146.