US Deploys Troops to Cyprus Amidst Escalating Israel-Hezbollah Conflict, Prepares for Potential Evacuation

The United States has deployed dozens of troops to Cyprus as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah reach a boiling point, CNN reports, citing two US officials.

The deployment is a precautionary measure aimed at preparing for a range of contingencies, including a potential evacuation of US citizens from Lebanon if a full-scale war erupts.

Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed the deployment earlier this week, stating that a “small number of US military personnel” were being sent to the region “out of an abundance of caution.” He declined to specify the number of troops, their branch of service, or their exact location.

Cyprus played a crucial role in the evacuation of foreign nationals during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, providing accommodation and facilitating the departure of tens of thousands of people fleeing the conflict. Cyprus’s deputy government spokesperson, Yiannis Antoniou, has confirmed that the island nation is again on standby to assist in case of a similar situation.

The United Kingdom has also announced the deployment of 700 troops to Cyprus, preparing for a potential emergency evacuation of British citizens from Lebanon. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged British citizens in Lebanon to leave the country immediately. The US State Department has issued similar warnings to US citizens, urging them to depart while commercial travel options remain available.

The escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began with covert Israeli attacks that targeted Hezbollah pagers and walkie-talkies. Israel followed up with a barrage of airstrikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and Hezbollah fighters.

Hezbollah responded with rocket attacks on Israeli sites, including Ramat David air base east of Haifa, and launched a missile directly at Tel Aviv, which was intercepted by Israeli air defenses. The Israel Defense Forces subsequently announced the mobilization of two reserve brigades for a mission in northern Israel.

Amidst this escalating crisis, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the US’s diplomatic efforts to prevent an all-out war between Israel and Lebanon.

“Risk of escalation in the region is acute, and I know that we are all very much focused on that,” Blinken told his counterparts in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

A US official expressed concerns about Iran’s potential involvement in the conflict, as the country is a key backer of Hezbollah. While Iran has not intervened yet, the official stated that they will likely do so if they believe their most powerful proxy force, Hezbollah, is facing imminent defeat.