The United Kingdom will send about 700 troops to Cyprus in the coming hours to help with the evacuation of United Kingdom citizens from Lebanon. This is stated in a statement issued by the British Ministry of Defense. The authorities explained this decision by the escalation of the situation in the Middle East.

“About 700 British troops are moving to Cyprus in the coming hours. The government is developing contingency plans in light of the significant escalation between Israel and Lebanon in recent days,” the ministry said in a statement.

They will be assisted by the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the border service of the Kingdom. All British citizens are strongly advised to leave Lebanon “as soon as possible”.

“Events in recent hours and days have demonstrated the volatility of the situation, which is why our message is very clear — British citizens must leave Lebanon immediately,” said John Healy, head of the British Ministry of Defense. On Tuesday, he chaired a meeting of the Cobra Emergency government committee.

As noted in the ministry’s message, the large amphibious assault ship Mounts Bay and the destroyer HMS Duncan of the British Navy are already in the region to help evacuate the population. Royal Air Force planes and helicopters are on standby. The main place to coordinate these actions should be the British Air Force base in Akrotiri in Cyprus.

Source: lenta.cy

https://lenta.cy/london-napravit-na-kipr-voennyh-dlja-jevakuacii-britancev-iz-livana/