US Warns Citizens to Evacuate Lebanon as Violence Escalates

(MENAFN) The US Embassy in Beirut issued a warning on Friday, urging American citizens to leave Lebanon while commercial flights are still available, citing a “volatile and unpredictable” security environment. The advisory comes amid continuing airstrikes, drone operations, and rocket fire across the country.

According to the notice, attacks have been reported in southern Lebanon, the Beqaa Valley, and certain areas of Beirut.

“Iran and its aligned terrorist militias may intend to target universities in Lebanon. Iran has specifically threatened American universities across the Middle East,” the embassy stated.

The advisory specifically encouraged Americans in southern Lebanon, regions bordering Syria, refugee camps, and the southern suburbs of Beirut to evacuate immediately.

For those who remain, the embassy advised having “contingency plans” and being ready to take shelter if conditions worsen.

Commercial flights are currently available through Middle East Airlines at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport. The embassy emphasized: “Americans should strongly consider departing on one of these flights if they believe it is safe to do so.”

The warning comes as Israel continues a series of airstrikes and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon following a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2. Lebanese authorities report that the assault has killed nearly 1,368 people and injured 4,138 others to date.

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