France deploys helicopter carrier to eastern Mediterranean amid Lebanon crisis

The deployment comes in anticipation of a potential evacuation of foreign nationals, including thousands of French citizens, from the war-torn country.

The French military announced that the Dixmude helicopter carrier departed the naval port of Toulon on Monday and is expected to reach the region within five to six days. The vessel will be positioned to assist in any evacuation efforts should a full-scale war break out in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, the British government has chartered a flight to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon on Wednesday. The flight will prioritize the most vulnerable individuals, including children and those with disabilities.

As the situation in Lebanon continues to deteriorate, Western nations are scrambling to develop contingency plans for the safe evacuation of their citizens. Cyprus and Türkiye are being considered as potential safe havens for tens of thousands of people fleeing the conflict. (ILKHA)