Lebanese Army issues first statement on Beirut explosion

SANAA, Aug. 5 (YPA) – The Lebanese Army on Wednesday issued its first statement after the government declared a two-week state of emergency in Beirut.

The army command called on citizens to evacuate the Beirut port area in order to facilitate rescue operations and to remove the damage caused by the explosion.

The statement also called on homeowners and property owners in the area surrounding the blast to abide by the measures taken and cooperate with the security forces deployed at the scene.

The Lebanese Army statement warned all local and foreign media against the use of drones throughout the Beirut area because of the negative impact of these aircraft on the movement of helicopters working to put out fires and assist in relief work.

In a statement, the army expressed its condolences to the families of the victims of the catastrophic blast and wished the wounded a speedy recovery.

The Lebanese Health Ministry said the death toll from Tuesday’s blast, which rocked Beirut’s port, has risen to 1356 dead and 56,000 injured, while the search for victims is continuing under the rubble.

E.M