The US embassy in Lebanon has urged its citizens to leave the country on "any ticket available" amid escalating fears of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah and a potential broader regional conflict. Despite ongoing flight suspensions and cancellations, the embassy assured that "commercial transportation options to leave Lebanon remain available." They advised citizens to book any available flight, even if it doesn’t depart immediately or is not their preferred route.
Similarly, the UK government has called on its citizens in Lebanon to leave immediately due to the heightened risk of conflict, reported AFP.
In a statement, the foreign ministry said British nationals should depart the Middle Eastern country "now while commercial options remain available".
"Tensions are high, and the situation could deteriorate rapidly," said Foreign Minister David Lammy.
"While we are working round the clock to strengthen our consular presence in Lebanon, my message to British nationals there is clear –- leave now."
The Foreign Office said it was "strengthening" its support for Britons in the country by deploying "border force, consular officials and military personnel to the region".
The officials will offer "additional support" to embassy staff while the military personnel will provide embassies with "operational support to help British nationals", the ministry said.
"This is alongside Landing ship RFA Cardigan Bay and HMS Duncan already being in the eastern Mediterranean to support allies with humanitarian requirements, with the Royal Air Force also putting transport helicopters on standby," the statement added.
"With the potential for exit routes out of Lebanon -- including roads -- being affected, limited, or closed, due to events escalating with little warning, teams will continue to urge British nationals to leave while commercial options remain available."
(With inputs from AFP)