UK Government Monitors Beirut Airport in Case of Evacuation from Lebanon

Department of Strategic Security and Military Research and Studies 26-09-2024

UK authorities are closely monitoring developments at Beirut’s international airport, amid rising concerns that escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could force its closure. Such a scenario could lead to the evacuation of British nationals and other foreigners from Lebanon, according to defense sources.

Though an emergency evacuation is not considered imminent, defense officials indicated that the suspension of commercial flights would likely trigger a sea-based evacuation operation involving multiple nations.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged British citizens to leave Lebanon while commercial flights remain available. He refrained from outlining specific plans for a potential evacuation should air travel be halted. “I have an urgent message for British nationals in Lebanon: the time to leave is now. Contingency plans are in motion, but do not wait for those,” Starmer stated, emphasizing the importance of acting swiftly.

While attending the UN General Assembly in New York, Starmer was questioned about the potential deployment of British troops to facilitate an evacuation. He declined to disclose details but reassured the public that contingency measures had been put in place, warning that the situation in Lebanon was worsening rapidly.

As part of ongoing preparations, the UK has deployed 700 troops, including Royal Marines, to Cyprus to focus on contingency planning and assist those leaving via commercial routes. These troops will be supported by Border Force personnel and Foreign Office officials who will help with guidance and immigration processing.

There are currently an estimated 6,000 British nationals and dual citizens in Lebanon, with around 10,000 having left the country in recent days. In addition, approximately 86,000 US citizens and 23,000 French nationals remain in Lebanon.

A UK government spokesperson reaffirmed support for Israel’s right to self-defense while expressing concern over the ongoing conflict and calling for an immediate ceasefire and political resolution.

Israeli airstrikes have predominantly targeted Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, but the conflict appears to be escalating. On Wednesday, Israel bombed areas north of Beirut, and Hezbollah responded by launching attacks on Tel Aviv. Israeli authorities claim that Hezbollah has concealed long-range missile launch sites near the Lebanese capital, raising concerns about further escalation.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Lebanon’s national carrier, Middle East Airlines, continues to operate flights to Europe and the Middle East, though other airlines have suspended their services. It is unclear how many seats are available for those attempting to leave.

Sources suggest that the most likely evacuation route would be by sea to Cyprus. Available vessels include the military auxiliary ship Mounts Bay and the warship HMS Duncan, as well as merchant ships if necessary. This approach would mirror the 2006 evacuation during the last major conflict in Lebanon, when 4,500 British nationals were rescued by sea following an Israeli blockade.

Air evacuation remains a possibility if conditions permit, though British troops would need permission from the Lebanese government to secure any port or airport for such an operation. However, there are no plans for a military operation to rescue individuals from their homes in Lebanon.

Defense Secretary John Healey chaired discussions on Tuesday with ministers, intelligence officials, and diplomats to review evacuation plans. Further talks took place on Wednesday, but there were no immediate plans to convene a Cobra emergency meeting, often a precursor to large-scale evacuations.

The UK government is keen to avoid the chaotic scenes witnessed during the 2021 Kabul evacuation in Afghanistan, when thousands crowded the airport in a desperate attempt to flee, amid widespread criticism of inadequate planning by the Foreign Office.

Lebanon’s ambassador to the UK, Rami Mortada, said his government would offer assistance in any evacuation efforts, acknowledging the escalating crisis for both Lebanese citizens and expatriates. “We stand ready to provide any necessary assistance,” he stated, as the situation continues to evolve rapidly.