The U.S. embassy in Lebanon has called on American citizens to leave the country immediately, citing potential emergency situations expected after a missile attack by Hezbollah killed 12 children.
The Daily Caller reported that escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, particularly following Hamas' attack on Israel, have led to serious security concerns in the region.
The warning issued by the U.S. embassy on Saturday is urging American nationals to leave Lebanon. It comes on the heels of a missile attack by Hezbollah on July 27, where 12 children lost their lives.
The embassy highlighted potential emergency situations that may arise, advising U.S. citizens to exit the country or prepare for prolonged periods of sheltering in place.
Following the attack, several airlines suspended or canceled flights to Lebanon, though some commercial travel options remain. American citizens are encouraged to book any available flights, even if the travel routes are not ideal.
The missile attack by Hezbollah on July 27 has heightened concerns in the region, as 12 children were killed in the strike. This incident has intensified already rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
The U.S. assistant secretary of state for the bureau of consular affairs, Rena Bitter, advised American citizens to develop a crisis plan and to leave before a crisis develops. This was communicated in a video posted to the U.S. Embassy in Beirut’s X account on July 29.
Hezbollah, which supports Hamas and possesses strongholds in Lebanon near the Israeli border, has been central to the increased conflict.
The current security alert by the U.S. embassy is partly due to the increased hostilities following Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of at least 1,200 individuals. This attack has exacerbated the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Israeli Defense Forces responded to the escalating situation by launching targeted attacks against Hezbollah in Beirut on Tuesday. These actions come as part of an ongoing effort to curb Hezbollah's militant activities.
The embassy's advisory mentions citizens should either leave Lebanon or be prepared to seek shelter for an extended duration. "We encourage those who wish to depart Lebanon to book any ticket available to them," the embassy's alert states.
The advisory also included recommendations for those who remain in the country. "We recommend that U.S. citizens who choose not to depart Lebanon prepare contingency plans for emergency situations and be prepared to shelter in place for an extended period of time," the alert continued.
This guidance is part of broader efforts to safeguard American citizens against any potential emergencies that may arise due to the escalating conflict. It's aimed at ensuring that those unable or unwilling to leave are as prepared as possible for any eventuality.
Bitter reinforced the need for a proactive approach. “We recommend U.S. citizens develop a crisis plan of action and leave before a crisis begins,” she stressed in her video message.
The embassy's alert also mentioned the suspension and cancellation of flights to Lebanon by numerous airlines. This development has added an urgency for those aiming to leave the country.
Despite the cancellations, some commercial travel options are still available. The embassy is encouraging citizens to secure any seats they can, regardless of whether the routes meet their initial preferences.
The embassy's alert clarifies, "We encourage those who wish to depart Lebanon to book any ticket available to them, even if that flight does not depart immediately or does not follow their first-choice route.”
The U.S. embassy in Lebanon has issued a grave warning for American citizens to leave immediately due to potential emergency situations following Hezbollah's missile attack that killed 12 children.
Heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, mainly after Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel, have spur these cautions.
The embassy's advice includes preparing for prolonged sheltering if they remain and developing a comprehensive crisis plan. Amidst rising hostilities, the embassy's guidance aims to ensure the safety and preparedness of U.S. nationals in Lebanon.
