UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy chaired an urgent Cobra committee meeting today to discuss the situation in Lebanon and ensure the country’s readiness for a potential evacuation of British nationals amid escalating tensions.
The meeting followed an unprecedented wave of attacks on Hezbollah’s communication facilities and a significant round of Israeli airstrikes.
According to a source speaking to Sky News, the top diplomat aimed to confirm that the UK is prepared for any contingencies.
The British military had been on alert throughout the summer to initiate an emergency evacuation operation from Lebanon as tensions rose between Israel and Hezbollah after the assassination of Hezbollah leader Fouad Shukr.
Two ships were already stationed in the region, ready for deployment, and additional forces were positioned at a Royal Air Force base in Cyprus to assist in any evacuation efforts.
The readiness level had been slightly reduced in recent weeks as the immediate threat of escalation was deemed over, but the warships remained in the area.
The source mentioned, “It is believed that readiness will be bolstered again following the recent surge in tensions,” emphasizing that “this is merely prudent planning to ensure that the UK is as prepared as possible to respond.”
They added, “This was not a sign that an evacuation operation is expected imminently,” indicating “we need to be on the highest level of readiness possible.”
