UK sends 700 troops to Cyprus for evacuating Britons from Lebanon

Around 700 British troops are being sent to Cyprus in case an emergency evacuation of Lebanon is required as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues to escalate, Report informs, citing Force News.

Royal Air Force aircraft and transport helicopters are also on standby and HMS Duncan and RFA Mounts Bay remain stationed in the eastern Mediterranean.

The deployment of the troops to Cyprus, where the UK has a large military presence, comes as the government begins the first stage of its contingency plan.

The military team is being supported by Border Force and Foreign Office officials.

The deployment was announced after Defence Secretary John Healey held a Cobra meeting attended by intelligence chief and diplomats.

He said British nationals should leave Lebanon now - and praised the military personnel deploying to the region.