Amid escalating violence in Syria, the Cuban government has taken the decision to withdraw staff from its diplomatic mission in the country, relocating them to the Cuban Embassy in Lebanon. Shared images and messages from members of the mission highlight the severe conditions faced in Damascus, a city ravaged by conflict.
Ivette Martínez, a former member of the Cuban diplomatic delegation, posted a photograph of the evacuees on Facebook. In response to the post, diplomat Emilio Pevida commented that they have experienced "hell" in recent days, following the fall of the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, whose family held power in the Arab nation for over half a century.
The evacuation comes at a crucial moment for Syria, a nation whose government was allied with its Cuban counterpart. The evacuated group is now safely in Lebanon, where they are expected to prepare for their return to Cuba. The Cuban government has yet to release an official statement regarding the evacuation, having been slow to break its silence on the political situation in Syria.
In a message shared on X, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel urged the protection of embassies located in conflict zones: "I had a conversation today with our ambassador to the Syrian Arab Republic. We are concerned about the recent events in this nation. We call for the preservation of Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, as well as the safety of diplomatic missions stationed there," he stated.
Cuban Embassy Evacuation and its Implications
Why did the Cuban government decide to evacuate its embassy staff from Syria?
The Cuban government decided to evacuate its embassy staff due to the increasing violence and unstable political situation in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime.
Where have the evacuated Cuban diplomats been relocated?
The evacuated Cuban diplomats have been relocated to the Cuban Embassy in Lebanon, where they are currently awaiting their return to Cuba.
Has the Cuban government issued any official statement on the evacuation?
As of now, the Cuban government has not released an official statement regarding the evacuation of its embassy staff from Syria.