Canada is preparing for a possible evacuation of its citizens from Lebanon in the event of a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah forces, according to General Wayne Eyre, Chief of Staff of the Canadian Army. Eyre revealed in an interview with CBC News that the country is currently coordinating with allies to create emergency evacuation plans.
Eighteen years ago, Canada successfully coordinated with allies to evacuate about 15,000 people from the war zone, with the majority being Canadian citizens. This time around, Eyre estimates that around 20,000 Canadians may need to be evacuated based on figures from a similar operation in 2006. The Canadian government estimates that there are currently 40,000-75,000 Canadian citizens living in Lebanon.
The Canadian military has sent advisors to Lebanon and deployed a working group to Cyprus to prepare logistics for the evacuations. Plans for the evacuation will primarily involve sea transport, with boats and ferries being used to bring citizens from Lebanon to Cyprus. The US Navy has also deployed ships in the Mediterranean Sea to prepare for possible evacuations of US citizens living in Lebanon.
Tensions have escalated on Israel’s northern border, with threats of war between Israel and Hezbollah. While Israel has expressed its military capabilities, it also prioritizes diplomatic solutions. The US government is closely monitoring the situation and has made adjustments to its forces and protection procedures. Both Canada and the US are working with allies to ensure the safe evacuation of their citizens from Lebanon in case of a conflict.
