UK calls on its citizens to leave Lebanon and sends troops to Cyprus

British authorities have called on their citizens to leave Lebanon as soon as possible due to the escalation of relations with Israel, the website of the British government said in a statement.

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,” U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey said.

Around 700 U.K. troops will move to Cyprus in the coming hours, as the government continues to prepare its contingency plans. The country’s Ministry of Defense noted that the U.K. 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.