British Defense Secretary John Healey met with military units preparing for the possible evacuation of British citizens from Lebanon as the Middle East teeters on the brink of full-scale war, the PA news agency reported. Media/DPA, quoted by BTA.
Minister Healey expressed gratitude to the military who participated in an operation to protect Israel after the Iranian missile attack two days ago. The operation involved two Typhoon fighter jets, supported by a tanker aircraft, although the Ministry of Defense said that due to the nature of the ballistic missile attack, they did not hit any targets. The agency specified that the aircraft played an important role in efforts to deter and prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Evacuation of British and Australians
Meanwhile, a charter flight carrying British nationals took off from Beirut and landed in Birmingham late last night. The plane of airline company “Dan Air“ landed at Birmingham International Airport shortly before 8:40pm local time (7:40pm GMT) after making a short stopover in Bucharest. More flights are planned for today and the following days to ensure the safe evacuation of all Britons in Lebanon.
In addition, the Lebanese airline “Middle East Airlines“ will also operate a special flight to repatriate Britons. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said last night: “The first chartered flight to bring Britons back from Lebanon has already taken off. We have arranged more flights for tomorrow and the following days, for as long as necessary and safely.“
Concerns about the closure of Beirut airport
British officials fear that continued Israeli military action could lead to the closure of Beirut airport, which would make it difficult to evacuate the 4,000 to 6,000 British nationals in the country.
Australia also organized flights to evacuate hundreds of its citizens from Lebanon. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has urged thousands of Australians still in the country to leave while there is still a chance of a safe exit. Flights are planned today and Saturday to evacuate 580 people, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and their families.
Saturday's two flights, which are bound for Cyprus and from there to Australia, will depend on conditions at Beirut airport, Wong warned. Flights to Australia were also made earlier in the week.
To date, 1,700 Australians and their families have expressed a desire to leave Lebanon. Australia is home to the largest Lebanese diaspora in the world, with around 15,000 Australians living in Lebanon, the Australian Foreign Office said.