Rising Tensions in the Middle East: U.S. Urges Citizens to Leave Lebanon Immediately

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2024-09-23

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As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon intensifies, the U.S. State Department on the 21st urged American citizens in Lebanon to leave while commercial flights are still available. The State Department reiterated that U.S. citizens should "depart immediately" from southern Lebanon, areas near the Syrian border, and near refugee settlements.

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the State Department stated in its latest advisory: "Given the unpredictability of the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, and the recent explosions across Lebanon, including in Beirut, the U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to leave Lebanon while commercial options remain available. Commercial flights are still operating, but with reduced capacity. If the security situation worsens, commercial departure options may no longer be available."

In late July, after an Israeli strike in southern Beirut killed a senior Hezbollah commander, the U.S. raised its travel advisory for Lebanon to the highest "Do Not Travel" level.

On the 20th, Israel launched a heavy offensive on southern Lebanon, with airstrikes on Beirut, including parts of Nabatiyeh and the more northern area of Jezzine, claiming to have killed key leaders and other commanders of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force.

Hezbollah responded by firing rockets at at least seven military positions in northern Israel and the annexed Golan Heights, raising concerns of an "all-out war." Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reported that 37 people were killed in the attack. Earlier this week, explosives planted in pagers and two-way radios used by Hezbollah detonated, killing dozens and injuring thousands.