Senior military sources have disclosed that a secret plan to rescue thousands of UK nationals from the Middle East, in the event of a ground invasion launched by Donald Trump, is currently being formulated. This covert operation, known as the National Evacuation Operation, aims to extract British citizens from high-risk areas, with preparations already underway.
Deployment of Military Assets
According to sources, commando raiding crafts have been discreetly transferred to the eastern Mediterranean, poised to retrieve Britons from beaches and ports. Royal Marines are on standby, ready to be flown out to execute the mission. The operation is understood to focus primarily on Beirut, the Lebanese capital, where an estimated 4,500 UK nationals remain. Additionally, contingency plans are in place for a similar evacuation at the Red Sea port of Aqaba in Jordan, home to around 6,000 British residents.
Conditions for Launch
The evacuation would be triggered only if it becomes clear that the United States is about to initiate a ground intervention to seize control of the Strait of Hormuz, currently under Iranian control. Military sources emphasised that the operation hinges on the establishment of a 'safe corridor' agreed upon with other nations, as no evacuation could proceed if the area is under active attack. For instance, British forces would not attempt rescues from Beirut if Israeli operations against Iranian allies like Hezbollah are ongoing.
Logistical Preparations
The evacuation preparations began with the dispatch of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Lyme Bay, a landing ship dock capable of deploying troops, vehicles, and stores using landing craft or powered rafts. This vessel is also equipped with a flight deck for helicopters. Furthermore, Royal Marines' landing craft and offshore raiding boats have been sent to the region aboard the commercial cargo ship MV Hurst Point.
Amphibious and Aerial Support
Amphibious warfare teams from 47 Commando (Raiding Group) and a small detachment from 40 Commando will be flown to the region as needed. RAF Chinook helicopters, pre-positioned in Cyprus earlier this month, will airlift some evacuees, while landing craft and small raiding boats will rescue people from the shore. The Royal Navy's HMS Dragon, now in the region, will provide air protection for the Lyme Bay, with rescued individuals being ferried to Cyprus, where the UK maintains two military bases.
Air Cover and Surveillance
RAF F-35 and Typhoon fighter aircraft stationed in Cyprus will offer 'overwatch' support, alongside RAF Protector drones that can monitor the Lebanese coastline for potential attacks by Hezbollah. A senior military source stated, 'The UK has positioned its assets and they now await direction from the Government to give the green light. While the Armed Forces can go into Lebanon or Jordan when the bombs are flying, we cannot risk evacuees getting injured. So caution is the key word.'
Government Response and Current Situation
More than 139,000 British nationals have returned to the UK from the region since the conflict began, some via government charter flights. However, a Government spokesperson said on Saturday that 'we do not recognise' claims of a new evacuation plan, adding, 'We do not comment on operational activity.' The spokesperson further noted, 'More than 139,000 British nationals have now returned to the UK from the region and we continue to urge British nationals to use commercial travel options, which remain widely available. Our travel advice is kept constantly under review.'
