British Troops Deployed to Cyprus as Lebanon Crisis Escalates

“The military teams have joined the already significant UK diplomatic and military footprint in the region, including RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and Royal Navy ships RFA Mounts Bay and HMS Duncan, which have remained in the eastern Mediterranean to support British nationals and allies over the summer,” the foreign office announced late on Wednesday.

It added that the UK is sending £5 million to Lebanon to support humanitarian response efforts, where Unicef will distribute supplies to those in need. 

This move “comes as the UK also reopens the Register Your Presence service to support British nationals and provide vital updates”, it said.

“The UK has been calling for British nationals to leave Lebanon since October 2023. Yesterday [Wednesday], 700 troops, alongside border force and foreign office officials, also deployed to Cyprus to continue contingency planning for a range of scenarios in the region.”

The essential humanitarian support comes after further civilian casualties following air strikes in recent hours. Thousands more have been displaced or forced to flee their homes, the foreign office said.

Essential medical supplies, hygiene kits and fuel for water stations, to help thousands of displaced civilians across Lebanon have also been sent.

“It will also help emergency teams respond to urgent health and nutrition needs and provide a series of training sessions for key delivery partners and frontline workers to ensure an effective emergency response.”

“The situation in Lebanon is deeply concerning,” said Minister of State for Development Anneliese Dodds.

“While we continue to urge British nationals to leave and have launched our ‘register your presence portal’ to aid their departure, the UK will always be a strong supporter of the Lebanese people. That is why we are providing £5m to Unicef to support civilians who have been displaced and are facing a humanitarian emergency,” she added.

“We need to see an immediate ceasefire from both sides to prevent further civilian casualties and ensure that displaced people can return to their homes.”

Flights from Beirut continue to run and British nationals should depart on the first available carrier.

The Royal Air Force also have aircraft and transport helicopters on standby to provide support if necessary.

Source: Cyprus Mail