Britain Mobilizes Troops for Evacuation Amid Escalating Conflict in Lebanon

Britain has deployed 700 soldiers to Cyprus to assist in the evacuation of its nationals amid escalating conflict between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah. Defence Secretary John Healey advises British nationals to leave immediately. The Air Force is on standby for additional support as the situation remains unpredictable.

Britain has dispatched 700 troops to Cyprus to facilitate the evacuation of British nationals following intensified hostilities between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said on Tuesday.

The FCDO has issued a stern warning for its citizens to leave the region immediately, noting that air force aircraft and transport helicopters are on standby to assist if required. '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,' Defence Secretary John Healey stated.

The recent clashes, predominantly triggered by Hezbollah's rocket fire into Israel in support of Hamas, have exacerbated fears of further destabilization in the Middle East. Lebanese authorities reported 569 deaths, including 50 children, and over 1,835 injuries since Israel began its offensive on Monday, with thousands seeking refuge in schools and other makeshift shelters.

(With inputs from agencies.)