Canada prepared to use military aircraft for Lebanon evacuation if situation gets worse, Defence Minister says [Video]

The federal government is prepared to use military aircraft as part of an intensified effort to evacuate Canadians from Lebanon if the situation in the embattled country and region gets worse, says Defence Minister Bill Blair.

Mr. Blair, speaking a day after Iran launched a missile attack on Israel, said Wednesday that Canada has been able to effectively manage the number of people who want to leave Lebanon now, using seats purchased on commercial aircraft.

”But as the situation deteriorates, we are prepared with a scalable response … that includes many options, including the possibility of using military aircraft,” Mr. Blair told reporters ahead of the weekly Liberal caucus meeting on Parliament Hill.

Global airlines divert, cancel flights as they grapple with escalating Middle East tensions

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, after a Wednesday morning call with other G7 leaders, condemned Iran’s attack and declared his support for Israel’s right to defend itself against such aggression.

“It is a further destabilizing action by …