UK on standby for potential evacuation of citizens from Lebanon

The U.K. government has placed over 1,000 military personnel on standby to evacuate British nationals from Lebanon, as fears intensify that the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could escalate into a full-scale war.

U.K. officials are increasingly concerned about imminent retaliatory strikes by Iran and Hezbollah, which may prompt Israel to expand its military actions.

Military preparations

The U.K. has moved hundreds of soldiers, Royal Marine commandos, sailors, and aviators to reinforce a key Royal Air Force (RAF) base in South Cyprus.

This base would serve as a central hub for any evacuation operations. Additionally, more servicemen and women in the U.K. are on high alert, ready to be deployed to the region at short notice.

The U.K. government has developed multiple contingency plans, including the deployment of two warships, HMS Duncan and RFA Cardigan Bay, which are currently in the region. These ships could be dispatched to the Lebanese coast to assist in the evacuation of thousands of British nationals.

Another potential measure involves the use of RAF transport aircraft from RAF Akrotiri in South Cyprus to Beirut, mirroring the scale of the 2021 evacuation from Kabul after the Taliban takeover.

Urgent warnings to British nationals

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been urging British nationals to leave Lebanon while commercial flights are still available. However, at least 20 airlines have already started canceling flights due to the escalating situation.