Israel’s escalation in fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon has sent Western nations scrambling to update contingency plans for evacuations from the region.
Cyprus is the closest EU member to the Middle East and is a likely hub.
- Neighbouring Turkey has offered facilities as well.
Here are some details on contingency planning:
Australia
- Authorities have made contingency plans that could include evacuation by sea, though it has urged an estimated 15,000 of its citizens in Lebanon to leave while Beirut airport remains open.
Canada
- News reports from Canada suggest it will cooperate with Australia in evacuating nationals by sea. The plan involves contracting a commercial vessel to transport 1,000 people out each day, The Toronto Star reported.
Portugal
- Prime Minister Luis Montenegro on Wednesday advised against travel to Lebanon. The country has a plan to evacuate Portuguese citizens living there in cooperation with partner countries in the EU, he said.
United Kingdom
Britain has called for its nationals to leave immediately. It has moved about 700 troops to Cyprus, bolstering its presence in the area where it already has military assets, including two Royal Navy ships. It also has two military bases on the island.
United States
The US has ordered the deployment of dozens of troops to Cyprus to help prepare for scenarios including an evacuation of Americans from Lebanon.
Source: Al Jazeera