ROME, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Two aircraft of the Italian Air Force left for Lebanon in the early hours of Thursday, bringing with them first humanitarian aid and rescue teams to help the country cope with the fallout from massive blast occurred at a port in its capital Beirut on Tuesday, Italy's Defense Ministry stated.

The two C-130J aircraft carried teams of the army and of the Fire Department who are experienced in dealing with chemical, bacteriological, radiological and nuclear threats, the Defense General Staff explained in a statement.

The teams also include experts in assessing damages and stability of the buildings involved in the explosion.

The first flight reached the Lebanese capital on Thursday morning, while the second would land later in the day, bringing also eight tonnes of medical equipment with it, the Italian Civil Protection Department coordinating the national effort specified.

According to the Defense Ministry, the two military planes were equipped for carrying out emergency medical flights. If necessary, they can transport patients in critical conditions.

The operation falls under the European Union (EU) Civil Protection Mechanism.

It was set up by the Italian government following a request for international assistance by the Lebanese authorities.

The Defense Ministry confirmed on Tuesday that an Italian soldier with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was slightly injured in the explosion.

In a message to his Lebanese counterpart Michel Aoun on Wednesday, Italian President Sergio Mattarella expressed "the solidarity of the Italian people...and the most heartfelt condolences of the entire country" to all the Lebanese for the tragedy. Enditem

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