Dozens of US troops have been deployed to Cyprus amid sharply escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, and they are preparing for a range of contingencies including a possible evacuation operation from Lebanon for US citizens should a full-blown war erupt,

In response to increasing tensions in the Middle East, the British authorities have decided to deploy approximately 700 soldiers to Cyprus. They are to assist with the potential evacuation of British nationals from Lebanon.

The UK will send 700 troops to Cyprus to prepare for the possible evacuation of British nationals from Lebanon, No 10 is expected to announce. Fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah has intensified in recent days and around 10,

Britain is moving troops to Cyprus in position to help evacuate nationals trapped in Lebanon, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for diplomacy and an immediate ceasefire to bring Israel and Hezbollah back from the brink.

Western countries have been calling on citizens to depart Lebanon while some Lebanese residents are fleeing to Syria.