Tunis: A group of fourteen Tunisians arrived on Wednesday afternoon at Tunis-Carthage International Airport, having been evacuated from Lebanon due to the region's tense security situation. The group traveled aboard Royal Jordanian Airlines from Amman, the capital of Jordan, as part of an effort to ensure the safety of Tunisians amid ongoing military unrest in Lebanon and other parts of the Gulf and Middle East. According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, the returnees were welcomed by Helmi Tlili, Director-General of the Office of Tunisians Abroad, which operates under the Ministry of Social Affairs. Alongside him were representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, as well as civil society activists, notably from the Tunisian Red Crescent. Tlili acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various parties, including the Office of Tunisians Abroad and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in facilitating the return of those who faced difficult circumstances. The Office of Tunisia ns Abroad covered the costs of their return, including the purchase of travel tickets. Initially, nineteen Tunisians were expected to return, but five opted to remain abroad. Tlili emphasized the country's commitment to assisting its citizens abroad, stating, "We respond to the wishes of all those who want to return, and our embassies and services abroad remain mobilised to ensure their return." After arriving, the returnees will be transported to their respective residences in Tunisia. Today's flight marked the third such operation to bring back Tunisians from Lebanon and Iran. A similar flight from Jordan had arrived with fourteen Tunisians last Sunday. One of the returnees, Moamen, a student at a Lebanese university, recounted the journey that involved an initial flight from Beirut, followed by a Royal Jordanian Airlines flight. He described the extensive destruction and damage in many areas of Beirut where he had resided. The Tunisian community in Lebanon, exceeding 230 citizens, is primarily based in B eirut's southern suburbs, as well as in the cities of Tyre and Sidon, and some western regions. In response to the military targeting in Lebanon, the Tunisian diplomatic mission had promptly issued a statement urging caution and adherence to local authorities' directives. They have also provided emergency contact information, including a WhatsApp number, landline phones, and an email address, to assist and respond to inquiries from the community.