American citizens in Lebanon have been urged to leave the country immediately due to escalating fears of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah. This advisory comes as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, with increasing concerns about safety and security in the region.
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut has issued a statement urging Americans to depart Lebanon as soon as possible, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The embassy warns that those who delay their departure risk becoming trapped in a potential warzone. The advisory highlights that while some flights have been suspended or canceled, commercial transportation options to leave Lebanon remain available.
“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 statement reads.
For American citizens facing financial difficulties, particularly senior citizens lacking funds for travel, the embassy suggests contacting them for assistance via repatriation loans.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has similarly warned British citizens about the risks of remaining in Lebanon, advising them to leave promptly to avoid being caught in a conflict zone. The U.K. government has also issued guidelines for evacuation and emergency preparedness.
The U.S. Embassy advises Americans who choose not to leave Lebanon to prepare contingency plans for emergency situations. Citizens are encouraged to be ready to shelter in place for extended periods if necessary.
The statement also clarifies that U.S. military-assisted evacuations from a foreign country are rare. U.S. citizens should not rely on the U.S. government for assisted departure or evacuation in a crisis. “In the case of an evacuation, you may not be able to leave with your extended family, cannot take pets, and will be expected to reimburse the U.S. government for your transportation to a safe location,” the embassy cautions.
The advisory comes amid fears of imminent conflict, with reports suggesting that Iran may be plotting an attack on Israel. This follows the assassination of a senior Hamas leader in Tehran and recent deadly strikes by Hezbollah in Beirut. These developments have raised alarm over a potential escalation into a broader conflict involving multiple actors in the region.
Given the volatile situation, the U.S. government is taking a proactive stance to ensure the safety of its citizens. The embassy’s advisory is part of a broader strategy to minimize risks associated with potential military engagements and to safeguard American nationals in the region.
As tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to simmer, the U.S. and other Western governments are closely monitoring the situation, urging citizens to heed travel advisories and prioritize their safety.
Source: the-sun.com
