Several countries are intensifying efforts to evacuate their citizens from Lebanon as tensions rise due to Israel's ground offensive in the southern part of the country. While no large-scale military evacuations have been initiated, various governments are taking steps to ensure the safety of their nationals.
The United States has deployed dozens of troops to Cyprus as a precautionary measure and has been advising its citizens to leave Lebanon since August. The United Kingdom has sent around 700 additional troops to Cyprus in anticipation of a potential evacuation and organized a charter flight for UK nationals from Beirut.
France has a helicopter carrier on standby in the eastern Mediterranean for possible evacuations, with contingency plans involving Cyprus, Beirut airport, and discussions about evacuations through Turkey. Australia has secured additional seats on commercial flights for its citizens leaving Lebanon and positioned a Defence Force aircraft in Cyprus for contingency purposes.
China has successfully evacuated over 200 of its nationals from Lebanon, with some arriving in Cyprus by ship and others on a chartered flight to Beijing. Canada has secured 800 additional seats on commercial flights for Canadians and their families, with evacuation agreements in place with Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey.
Other countries like Spain, the Netherlands, South Korea, and more are also deploying military aircraft to assist in bringing back their nationals from Lebanon. The international efforts reflect the seriousness of the situation and the commitment of these countries to ensure the safety of their citizens amidst the escalating tensions in the region.
