British nationals should leave Lebanon immediately, Ministers have warned, as the Government bolsters its presence in the region.
Around 700 UK troops will move to Cyprus in the coming hours, as the Government continues to prepare its contingency plans following significant escalation between Israel and Lebanon in recent days.
The military teams will be supported by Border Force and FCDO officials.
The Government continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon, as the situation continues to deteriorate rapidly, with devastating consequences.
Events in the past hours and days have demonstrated how volatile this situation is, which is why our message is clear, British nationals should leave now.
We continue to urge all sides to step back from conflict to prevent further tragic loss of life. Our government is ensuring all preparations are in place to support British Nationals should the situation deteriorate. I want to thank the British personnel who are deploying in the region for their commitment and professionalism.
The UK already has a significant 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 Royal Air Force also have aircraft and transport helicopters on standby to provide support if necessary.
The call comes after the Defence Secretary held a meeting with Ministers, intelligence chiefs and diplomats on Tuesday afternoon to test government planning.
ReutersPeople at the site of an Israeli air strike in Beirut's southern suburbs in Lebanon on TuesdayThe prime minister has told British nationals in Lebanon "n
Ryanair has warned passengers that several flights to popular destinations in Italy scheduled for today (Tuesday, September 24) have been cancelled. The budget
Up and down the country, breathtaking parks, valleys and villages come alive in the autumn, with fabulous displays of colours setting golden hues against crisp
Greece has been warned that it could lose millions of tourists as the country brings in new measures to combat congestion from tourism.The warning comes from th