UK Defence Secretary John Healey is visiting Cyprus as Britain intensifies preparations for a potential evacuation of Lebanon amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Healey confirmed that British forces were involved in defending Israel against Iran’s recent ballistic missile attack. It is understood that RAF jets participated in intercepting Iranian missiles, similar to their role during Iran’s drone and cruise missile barrage in April.
“British forces have this evening played their part in attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East,” Healey stated on Tuesday night.
The UK has deployed hundreds of troops to Cyprus, along with RAF and Royal Navy assets, in preparation for a possible evacuation of British nationals from Lebanon following Israel’s ground offensive.
In a statement, the UK’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that two Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker took part in defending Israel against Iranian missiles yesterday.
It said: “Last night, two Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker played their part in attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East, demonstrating the UK’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. Due to the nature of this attack, they did not engage any targets, but they played an important part in wider deterrence and efforts to prevent further escalation.”
On Wednesday, Healey met with Cypriot Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas to discuss the crisis.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed deep concern about the situation, stating, “The region is on the brink and I am deeply concerned about the risk of miscalculation.” He also noted that Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, have “menaced the Middle East for far too long.”
Israel reported intercepting many of the missiles fired by Iran on Tuesday, while Tehran claimed most had hit their targets. No immediate casualties were reported.
The Defence Secretary has met with personnel in Cyprus, as he visited @HMSDuncan.@JohnHealey_MP went on board the Type 45 destroyer, which has been deployed to the eastern Mediterranean since May. pic.twitter.com/OPKB6C3w7c
— BFBS Forces News (@ForcesNews) October 2, 2024
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