Operation LION

CF support to DFAIT

An additional 70 members of the CF departed for Larnaca, Cyprus, at the request of and to assist the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) to facilitate the departure of Canadians from Lebanon. They joined the 30 CF personnel who were sent to the region earlier to assist Canadian Embassy staff with contingency plans and movement control.

The 100-person contingent is comprised of a headquarters element, telecommunications specialists, a medical section, naval liaison officers, security and movement control personnel. A small portion of the contingent will remain in Larnaca while the others will travel to Beirut to support DFAIT in the departure of Canadian citizens.

The Canadian Forces is supporting the Government of Canada's efforts in helping Canadians leave Lebanon by providing resources to the DFAIT-led mission in that country. The CF is assisting DFAIT in facilitating the departure of Canadians who wish to leave Lebanon because of the deteriorating security environment in the area.

Canada is committed to provide suitably equipped, readily deployable forces in response to this situation.