British Forces in Cyprus on standby as final chartered flight prepares to leave Lebanon

British military forces remain on standby as efforts continue to evacuate UK citizens from Lebanon, with more than 250 Britons already flown out amid escalating conflict in the region.

The Government chartered a fourth flight scheduled to depart Beirut on Sunday, following reduced demand for places.

Elements from across the Armed Forces have been deployed to Cyprus to prepare for a range of contingencies.

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More than 700 personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force are working alongside a Joint Task Force to ensure the safe evacuation of UK nationals should the need arise.

HMS Duncan and RFA Mounts Bay have also been dispatched to support any potential maritime operations as part of this effort.

Defence Secretary John Healey visited Cyprus this week to oversee preparations and meet personnel.

The task force has been coordinating closely with the Government to provide options for evacuating citizens if the situation worsens further.

However, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said there were no guarantees that future flights would be available, warning that those still in Lebanon must act swiftly to secure their place on the government-chartered flights.

"The situation in Lebanon remains volatile, so I am glad that we have helped the many people who have heeded our advice to leave the country immediately," Mr Lammy said.

"With demand falling, and the security situation deteriorating, there is no guarantee other options to leave quickly will become available. I urge anyone who wants to leave to register now."

This latest flight from Beirut's Rafic Hariri Airport is expected to be the last for the time being, with the UK Government citing "significantly reduced" demand.

However, officials confirmed that the situation is under constant review, and more flights could be arranged if needed.

Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut suburbs and cut off the main border crossing between Lebanon and Syria.

BBC teams in Beirut have reported that another strike hit the Burj el Brajneh area, close to the airport.