Cyprus becomes a key country for evacuation operations from Lebanon

Following an increase in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, a number of countries, including the US, UK, and Australia, are stationing personnel and equipment in Cyprus to help in the evacuation of their citizens from Lebanon. Although no large-scale military operations have started, the heightened conflict and Iran's missile attack on Israel caused the preparation of backup plans for civilian evacuations.

While Beirut's airport remains operating, some governments are chartering flights for their citizens. The UK has sent 700 troops and two Royal Navy ships to Cyprus and asked its citizens to evacuate Lebanon right once. In order to help with any evacuations, the US has dispatched soldiers to Cyprus and is organising more aircraft out of Lebanon. Australia has secured seats on commercial flights and moved military assets to Cyprus, planning for possible evacuations by sea.

Other countries, including France, Germany, and Belgium, have prepared evacuation plans, while nations like Italy and Spain have reduced diplomatic staff and increased security measures. Turkey is coordinating with 20 countries for possible evacuations via air and sea.

Cyprus has asked Greece for assistance in evacuating its citizens from Lebanon, while Greece, Poland, and Portugal have all advised their nationals to leave. Additionally, China has successfully evacuated more than 200 of its citizens, and Canada is planning a joint sea evacuation with Australia.

With the situation in Lebanon remaining volatile, Cyprus is emerging as a crucial hub for international evacuation efforts.