The UK is ramping up preparations for a possible evacuation of British citizens from Lebanon following last week’s high-profile assassinations in Beirut and Tehran. The killings, attributed to Israel, have heightened fears that the ongoing conflict in Gaza could expand into a broader regional war.
In response to the escalating situation, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, along with the Ministry of Defence, announced on Saturday that they are deploying consular experts, border force officials, and military personnel to the region. This move is part of a comprehensive plan to address a variety of potential conflict scenarios.
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The UK’s military assets in the region include the landing ship RFA Cardigan Bay and the destroyer HMS Duncan, which are already stationed in the eastern Mediterranean. Additionally, the air force has put transport helicopters on standby to facilitate any necessary evacuation operations.
Although the UK government does not anticipate an immediate need to evacuate citizens, the decision to prepare forces follows a recent meeting between Defence Secretary John Healey and Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Healey and Foreign Secretary David Lammy had been visiting the region and discussing the situation.
Britain is urging citizens to leave Lebanon whilst the option remains
The government has reiterated its advice for British nationals currently in Lebanon to leave while “commercial options are still available.” This recommendation aligns with similar advisories from the US and other nations. Many airlines have suspended flights to Lebanon and Israel over the past week, complicating travel plans for expatriates and tourists.
As tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, the UK’s proactive measures underscore its commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens amid a rapidly evolving and potentially dangerous situation.
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