In response to escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the UK is deploying 700 troops to Cyprus to prepare for the possible evacuation of British nationals from Lebanon. The deployment comes as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged citizens to leave Lebanon immediately, warning of a deteriorating situation. This marks a signficant ramp-up in contingency plans amid concerns of all-out war in the region.
The British government has emphasized the need for swift action as the conflict intensifies. In recent days, Israel has launched its most significant offensive against Hezbollah since their 2006 war. The violence erupted after Hezbollah began launching strikes into northern Israel following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. In retaliation, Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hezbollah positions, killing several senior commanders. The fighting has resulted in hundreds of deaths, including civilians, and has displaced tens of thousands of people in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.
🔺 Update: More troops have been sent to Cyprus to help evacuate many of the 10,000 British nationals there as the country teeters on the brink of all-out war ⬇️ https://t.co/3Eaf8FZ8ym
— The Times and The Sunday Times (@thetimes) September 25, 2024
The UK’s military presence in Cyprus, including bases such as RAF Akrotiri, will serve as a key staging ground for potential evacuation operations. In addition to troops, the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy are on standby, with warships HMS Duncan and RFA Mounts Bay already in the eastern Mediterranean. These assets would be deployed if evacuation efforts are needed, with UK Border Force and Foreign Office officials also positioned to support the operation.
This is not the first time the UK has prepared for evacuations in Lebanon. Earlier in the year, more than 1,000 military personnel were placed on standby, though tensions eventually eased. However, the current situation appears far more volatile, with fears that Hezbollah could escalate further by using long-range missiles to target deeper into Israeli territory. Such a move would likely prompt an Israeli ground invasion, heightening the risk of a wider regional conflict.
Today is the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
On July 20th 1974, Turkish troops invaded Cyprus to stop it from forming a unified state with Greece.
Turkey occupied 37% of the territory of Cyprus and displaced 150 000 Greek Cypriots 🇨🇾 pic.twitter.com/ZY78Htor7k
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) July 20, 2024
British Defense Secretary John Healey chaired an emergency COBRA committee meeting to assess the situation, stating that the UK is prepared to support its nationals if the situation worsens. Healey also called for both sides to de-escalate the conflict to prevent further loss of life. This deployment, combined with diplomatic efforts, underscores the UK’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens amid the growing instability in the Middle East.
Cyprus, located just off the coast of Lebanon, provides a strategic location for such operations. With thousands of British citizens currently in Lebanon, the UK is prioritizing their evacuation, should commercial routes become unavailable due to the intensifying violence. Flights to and from Lebanon have already been affected, with airlines suspending services as the situation becomes increasingly dangerous.
Starmer’s government has been clear in its messaging, urging Britons in Lebanon to leave immediately. While diplomacy is still being pursued, the growing scale of the Israeli offensive and Hezbollah’s retaliatory capabilities have raised concerns about a potential escalation that could further endanger civilians and foreign nationals alike.
This deployment highlights the UK’s readiness to act swiftly in the face of crises and its commitment to protecting British citizens abroad. As the conflict rages on, the UK and other international players are watching closely, hoping to prevent the situation from spiraling into a broader regional war.
