The correct answer is - B. The colonies were available for the Phoenicians to flee to.
The Phoenicians were not a civilization known for waging wars, but instead it was a civilization that was focused on exploring the seas and trade. This contributed to them making multiple colonies along the coasts of the Mediterranean, some of which where on the mainland, while others were on the islands. This allowed the Phoenicians to have safe territories in case of an attempted invasion in their homeland, like the Assyrians did, so they used them to save themselves are continue with their ways without having to be submitted to anyone.