Turkey Prepares for Possible Evacuation of Citizens from Lebanon Amid Escalating Tensions

Turkey is gearing up for the possible evacuation of its citizens and foreign nationals from Lebanon due to increasing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The Turkish military is making plans to ensure a safe exit through various routes, including southern Turkey's Mediterranean coast.

Turkey is preparing for the potential evacuation of its citizens and foreign nationals from Lebanon, as cross-border fire between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies, a Turkish defense ministry source said on Thursday.

Several Western nations have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon while its airports are still operational, with some planning sea route evacuations possibly via Cyprus, according to Australian and British statements. Southern Turkey's Mediterranean coast offers another evacuation option if Israeli airstrikes escalate in Lebanon.

Turkey's military is ready to execute any mission for the safe evacuation of its citizens or foreign nationals from Lebanon, the source stated in an Ankara briefing, noting that preliminary planning is underway.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned that evacuations of its estimated 15,000 citizens in Lebanon might include sea routes, while its foreign minister warned of Beirut's airport closure for an extended period.

Several Western countries have contingency evacuation plans centered on Cyprus, involving additional personnel and military vessels. If the conflict worsens and affects Lebanon's airports, spillover plans could extend to Turkey and Greece.

Britain has moved troops to Cyprus and positioned naval ships to facilitate potential evacuations. However, Israel's foreign minister rejected a 21-day ceasefire proposal by the U.S., France, and others amid ongoing border violence.

(With inputs from agencies.)