Now the US calls for citizens to leave Lebanon

In a statement issued by the US Department of State, American citizens in Lebanon were urged to leave the country immediately due to the "unpredictable security situation."

URGED TO PURCHASE FLIGHT TICKETS

The statement noted, "Commercial flights are still available, but capacity has been reduced. Please check flight options from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport," and added that those who wish to leave Lebanon but lack the financial means to purchase a flight ticket were advised to apply for a financial assistance loan from the US government.

US CITIZENS ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION

Following the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas on October 19, which led to protests in many countries across the Middle East and the targeting of US diplomatic missions, the US Department of State had issued a rare worldwide caution. The Department advised all US citizens abroad to "exercise increased caution," stating, "Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against US citizens and interests, the Department of State advises US citizens overseas to exercise increased caution."

SIMILAR CALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR IRAQ AND ERBIL

In a statement by the US Department of State, the travel advisory for Iraq was also raised to Level 4, and US citizens were warned against traveling to Iraq. The statement indicated that the travel advisory was issued due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the limited capacity of the US Mission in Iraq to provide support to US citizens. The statement also noted that due to increasing security threats against US personnel and interests, non-essential staff and their families at the Baghdad Embassy and Erbil Consulate were instructed to leave the country last Friday.