Extra Military Personnel Deployed To Lebanon As Tensions Rise

Extra military personnel are being deployed to Lebanon to provide assistance amid fears that the situation there "could deteriorate rapidly.” 

Ministers have called for British nationals to get out of the country now as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise.

The UK government is counselling members of the public to avoid all travel into the country and has advised British nationals already there to take advantage of commercial flights out of Lebanon via Beirut "while they remain available."

As per an MoD statement yesterday (Wednesday, August 7) officials have been sent to the region – including Lebanon – to provide additional support to embassy staff as part of government’s preparatory planning for a range of possible conflict scenarios.

It stated: "Consular experts will assist with strategic planning and responding to enquiries from British nationals to make sure they get the help and advice they need, and Border Force has deployed officers who stand ready to aid consular operations."

Without going into details, the statement also revealed extra military personnel were "in the process of deploying to the region" to offer extra support to UK embassies. It noted landing ship RFA Cardigan Bay and HMS Duncan were already in the eastern Mediterranean to support allies with humanitarian requirements. Meanwhile, the RAF is also putting transport helicopters on standby.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: "Tensions are high, and the situation could deteriorate rapidly. While we are working round the clock to strengthen our consular presence in Lebanon, my message to British nationals there is clear – leave now. 

"A widening of this conflict is in nobody’s interest – the consequences could be catastrophic. That’s why we continue to call for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution."