UK SENDING 700 TROOPS TO CYPRUS FOR POSSIBLE EVACUATION OF CITIZENS FROM LEBANON

Wed 25 September 2024

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Tuesday that 700 troops are being deployed to British bases in Cyprus to support a possible evacuation of British nationals from Lebanon amid rising tensions in the region.

Speaking to reporters aboard a flight to New York for the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Starmer reiterated the government’s call for British citizens to leave Lebanon immediately, expressing concern over the deteriorating situation.

Starmer highlighted that the government is expediting emergency plans to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon.

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He emphasized the need for a cease-fire and called on Israel and Lebanon to step back from the brink of further escalation.

Two British warships are currently stationed off the coast of southern Cyprus and will be used if an evacuation operation is ordered. Aircraft and helicopters belonging to the Royal Air Force are also on standby.

The UK maintains two bases in Cyprus, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, which play a strategic role in British military operations in the region.

The Israeli army has launched waves of airstrikes in Lebanon since early Monday against what it called Hezbollah targets amid an escalation in warfare between the two sides.

Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad says at least 51 people have been killed and 223 wounded in Israeli air raids so far on Wednesday. Abiad gave the figures during a news conference in Beirut.

The International Organization for Migration says at least 90,530 people have been newly displaced in Lebanon in recent days due to Israeli attacks.

Nearly 40,000 of them are sheltering in 283 sites, the UN agency added.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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