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17/07/2006
First British citizens flown out of Beirut
Nearly 40 British citizens have been airlifted by helicopter from Beirut, as the evacuation of British citizens from Lebanon begins.
The operation is part of plans to evacuate around 10,000 Britons from the country as the crisis between Israel and Lebanon continues to deepen.
A statement issued by the Foreign Office on Monday said that the government was working towards "a properly organised - and safe - arrangement to help British nationals who want to leave Lebanon."
The statement said that some naval warships are now in the region to assist with evacuations, while others - including HMS Illustrious and HMS Bulwark - are heading towards it.
A Rapid Deployment Team from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office has also arrived in Beirut in order to assist British nationals.
More than 160 Lebanese and 24 Israelis have been killed since fighting erupted in the area on Wednesday, following the capture of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah fighters and the deaths of eight others. Israeli launched an air offensive on Lebanon, while Hezbollah responded by bombarding northern Israel with missiles.
Beirut airport remains closed following Israeli airstrikes, while there is also a naval blockade of all ports. The main Beirut-Damascus highway is also closed, while other roads outside of Lebanon are also closed or are unsafe for travel.
The Foreign Office has advised British nationals in Lebanon to stay put, exercise caution, keep in touch with the British Embassy, heed local advice and listen to the BBC or other English language broadcasts.
British nationals have also been advised to ensure that they are ready for departure at short notice and to have their travel documents in order.
(KMcA)
The operation is part of plans to evacuate around 10,000 Britons from the country as the crisis between Israel and Lebanon continues to deepen.
A statement issued by the Foreign Office on Monday said that the government was working towards "a properly organised - and safe - arrangement to help British nationals who want to leave Lebanon."
The statement said that some naval warships are now in the region to assist with evacuations, while others - including HMS Illustrious and HMS Bulwark - are heading towards it.
A Rapid Deployment Team from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office has also arrived in Beirut in order to assist British nationals.
More than 160 Lebanese and 24 Israelis have been killed since fighting erupted in the area on Wednesday, following the capture of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah fighters and the deaths of eight others. Israeli launched an air offensive on Lebanon, while Hezbollah responded by bombarding northern Israel with missiles.
Beirut airport remains closed following Israeli airstrikes, while there is also a naval blockade of all ports. The main Beirut-Damascus highway is also closed, while other roads outside of Lebanon are also closed or are unsafe for travel.
The Foreign Office has advised British nationals in Lebanon to stay put, exercise caution, keep in touch with the British Embassy, heed local advice and listen to the BBC or other English language broadcasts.
British nationals have also been advised to ensure that they are ready for departure at short notice and to have their travel documents in order.
(KMcA)
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