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The UK government has announced plans to deploy 700 troops to Cyprus in preparation for a potential evacuation of British nationals from Lebanon, amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah. The move follows warnings from the Foreign Office, urging British citizens to leave Lebanon immediately as the conflict worsens.
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have killed at least 564 people in recent days, with over 1,835 reported injured. Hezbollah has launched repeated attacks on Israel, further intensifying the situation.
Following a Cobra emergency meeting, UK Defence Secretary John Healey stressed the urgency of the situation and reiterated calls for British nationals to leave Lebanon now. He emphasized that the UK government is fully prepared to support necessary evacuation.
British troops in Cyprus will be backed by Border Force and Foreign Office officials, while the Royal Air Force has transport aircraft and helicopters on standby. Additionally, two Royal Navy ships, RFA Mounts Bay and HMS Duncan, remain stationed in the eastern Mediterranean for support.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also urged British citizens to leave Lebanon immediately, warning of potential risks if the situation deteriorates further. He expressed concern over the escalating conflict and called for de-escalation and a ceasefire.
During a similar conflict in 2006, British nationals were evacuated from Lebanon by sea. The government is ramping up contingency plans to avoid a repeat of the chaotic evacuation seen in Afghanistan after the NATO withdrawal in 2021.
Source: ITV News
