Americans urged to leave Lebanon immediately as security situation worsens

The US Embassy in Beirut has issued an urgent advisory calling on American citizens to leave Lebanon immediately, citing a rapidly deteriorating security situation across the country.

“If you are in the country, the Department of State urges US citizens to depart Lebanon now while commercial flight options remain available. The security situation in Lebanon is volatile and unpredictable. Airstrikes have occurred throughout the country, especially in the south, the Beqaa, and parts of Beirut,” the embassy said in a statement.

The advisory strongly recommends that US citizens avoid travel to Lebanon and prepare contingency plans for emergencies. “We urge US citizens not to travel to Lebanon. We recommend that US citizens who choose not to leave prepare contingency plans for emergency situations and be prepared to shelter in place should the situation deteriorate further,” the embassy added.

The statement emphasized that these contingency plans should not rely on the US government for evacuation. American citizens in southern Lebanon, near the Syrian border, in refugee settlements, and in the Dahiyeh neighborhood of Beirut were specifically urged to leave immediately.

Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport remains open, and commercial flights are currently available, though the embassy warned that “flights may be cancelled at any time.” Travelers were advised to check flight options directly at the airport.

By Vafa Guliyeva