Canada Increases Troops in Lebanon Amid Crisis

The Canadian Armed Forces is changing its posture to the crisis in Lebanon and increasing troops in the region to give the government more flexibility — including the ability to move quickly if an evacuation of Canadian citizens is ordered, Global News has learned.

Preparations Underway

Canada’s plan has been ready for months and some assets have been prepositioned. But on Wednesday night, troops received a warning order to be ready to leave Canada in 48 hours. The timing has less to do with the situation on the ground and more to prepare for what will be a highly complex operation if it goes ahead, sources said.

Evacuation Plans

Canada and Australia have jointly rented a cruise ship for evacuated Canadians, Global News has also learned. The federal government has for months urged Canadians to get out of Lebanon via commercial flights as the situation deteriorates. Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly told reporters Wednesday that commercial flights remain the safest option to leave Lebanon and that evacuations were not being ordered for the time being.

Government Response

Speaking to reporters Thursday, Defence Minister Bill Blair reiterated the government’s call for Canadians to get out of Lebanon now via commercial flights, but added Canada will help if needed. “We have a responsibility to Canadians around the world, and if Canadians find themselves in harm’s way, the Canadian government will be there to support them,” he said.

Challenges Ahead

Canada doesn’t have permanent military bases in the region the way American and British forces do, making it necessary for Canada to get troops and assets in position early to ensure they’re not squeezed trying to get into Lebanon, the sources explained. Joly added the situation remains volatile and there are concerns about the possibility of airports closing, which would complicate evacuation efforts as well as lingering damage from the 2020 explosion at the Port of Beirut, Lebanon’s main sea entry point, as an example of the challenges involved.

Conclusion

The situation in Lebanon remains volatile, and the Canadian government is taking steps to prepare for any eventuality. With thousands of Canadian citizens still in Lebanon, the government is urging them to leave via commercial flights and is preparing for a possible evacuation. The situation is complex, and the government is working to ensure the safety of Canadian citizens.

FAQs

Q: Why is the Canadian government urging Canadians to leave Lebanon via commercial flights?
A: The government is urging Canadians to leave Lebanon via commercial flights as the situation deteriorates and to avoid any potential risks.

Q: What is the Canadian government doing to prepare for a possible evacuation?
A: The government is preparing for a possible evacuation by increasing troops in the region, prepositioning assets, and working with regional partners to ensure the safety of Canadian citizens.

Q: How many Canadian citizens are still in Lebanon?
A: According to Global Affairs Canada, 20,773 Canadians in Lebanon are registered with the agency, and the government estimates that thousands of Lebanese Canadians have family members and loved ones currently in Lebanon.

Q: What is the situation like in Lebanon?
A: The situation in Lebanon is volatile, with nearly 700 people killed this week, including two Canadians, as Israel dramatically escalated strikes, saying it is targeting Hezbollah’s military capacities.