Lebanon crisis: US, UK citizens advised to leave as regional conflict looms

The US embassy in Beirut has urged its citizens to leave Lebanon on “any ticket available,” amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

This advisory follows a similar warning from UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who cautioned that the regional situation “could deteriorate rapidly,” Caliber.Az reports, citing British media.

Iran has vowed “severe” retaliation against Israel, blaming it for the death of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday. Haniyeh's assassination occurred hours after Israel killed Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Concerns are mounting that Lebanon-based Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group, could play a significant role in any retaliation, potentially prompting a strong Israeli response.

Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets at the town of Beit Hillel in northern Israel at around 00:25 local time on August 4 (22:25 BST August 3). Footage posted on social media showed Israel's Iron Dome air defense system intercepting the rockets. There have been no reports of casualties.

Jordan's Foreign Ministry has also advised its citizens to leave Lebanon immediately and warned others against traveling there. Canada has issued a similar warning to its nationals, advising them to avoid travel to Israel and Lebanon due to the risk of further deterioration in the region.

The US embassy stated on Saturday that those choosing to stay in Lebanon should “prepare contingency plans” and be ready to “shelter in place for an extended period of time.” It noted that several airlines have suspended and canceled flights, but “commercial transportation options to leave Lebanon remain available."

The Pentagon announced it is deploying additional warships and fighter jets to the region to help defend Israel from potential attacks by Iran and its proxies. The UK is sending extra military personnel, consular staff, and border force officials to assist with any evacuations, urging UK citizens to leave Lebanon “while commercial flights are running.” Two British military ships are already in the region, and the Royal Air Force has transport helicopters on standby.