The United States Embassy in Beirut has issued an official warning advising its citizens to leave Lebanon amid a fragile truce between the Israeli military and the Iran-backed Shiite Hezbollah movement.
The United States Embassy in Beirut issued an official warning. PHOTO: Archive
The representatives of the diplomatic mission said that the security situation remains unstable and unpredictable, even if, officially, the fighting has been suspended.
Message from the US Embassy
“The US Embassy in Beirut is closely monitoring the security situation in Lebanon. The security environment remains complex and can change rapidly”, the official warning states.
US diplomats are urging citizens to leave the country while commercial flights are still available.
“We urge US citizens to leave Lebanon while commercial flight options remain available. We advise US citizens in Lebanon who choose not to leave to prepare contingency plans and monitor the news for the latest developments,” the US Embassy also states.
Truce under pressure
The warning comes in the context of a ceasefire that came into effect on Friday after about six weeks of clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. However, the stability of the agreement is being questioned.
According to information appearing in the international press, the governments of Israel and Lebanon are to participate in a second round of talks between ambassadors, organized in Washington, on Thursday, in an attempt to maintain the ceasefire.
Tensions in the area remain high, and developments can be rapid and unpredictable, American authorities warn. In this context, citizens are advised to remain vigilant and have emergency plans ready.
The warning reflects growing concerns over the possibility of renewed conflict despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
In retaliation after the war started against it by the US and Israel, Iran has de facto blocked the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to attack any ship that has ties to the US, Israel and their allies.
Iran announced on Wednesday that it had attacked and immobilized or seized three commercial ships that tried to cross the strait without its authorization.
US President Donald Trump, for his part, imposed a blockade on Iranian ports, after the failure of negotiations held on April 11 in Pakistan, while a new round of negotiations is awaited.
