SEOUL, April 9 (Bernama-Yonhap) -- South Korean foreign ministry on Thursday urged Korean nationals in Lebanon to leave the country promptly, as airstrikes have continued in West Asia despite a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, Anadolu Ajansi reported.
Seoul's ambassador to Lebanon, Jeon Gyu-seok, said on the embassy's website that Koreans in the Western Asian country should "seriously consider departing and moving to a safe location as soon as possible", warning that a "wait-and-see" approach is "becoming increasingly dangerous".
Currently, about 90 Korean nationals, around 10 embassy staff and some 180 members of South Korea's peacekeeping contingent Dongmyeong Unit are in Lebanon.
While the US and Iran agreed Wednesday to a ceasefire following their monthlong conflict, Israel carried out extensive airstrikes across Lebanon, arguing that the country was not part of the agreement. More than 1,000 casualties have been reported following the strikes.
"The embassy will provide all possible support, but if the situation worsens, our ability to assist may become limited," the message said.
Though the Dongmyeong Unit's base is located away from areas affected by the recent airstrikes, all off-base activities have been completely suspended, according to the ministry.
The ministry also held a joint meeting with overseas missions later in the day to discuss measures to ensure the safety of nationals in West Asia.
"Large-scale airstrikes and casualties occurred across Lebanon yesterday, and the situation remains unstable in some countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait," Yoon Ju-seok, director general for consular affairs and safety, said, urging overseas missions to check on the safety of nationals and recommend prompt evacuation.
-- BERNAMA-YONHAP
