SEVERAL countries, including the US, UK, and France, are urging their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately due to rising regional tensions.
This follows the US sending additional warships to the area and advising its citizens to book any available flight out of Lebanon. The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon urged American citizens to leave Lebanon with “any ticket available.” while, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged British nationals to “leave now.”
“We encourage those who wish to depart Lebanon to book any ticket available to them, even if that flight does not depart immediately or does not follow their first-choice route,” US statement.
Meanwhile, Swedish Foreign Ministry has decided to temporarily close its embassy in Beirut and withdraw diplomatic personnel.
The alert comes after Iran vowed revenge on Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and an Israeli strike in Beirut that killed Hezbollah commander Fu’ad Shukr.
These events have increased fears of a wider Middle East conflict, with Lebanon-based Hezbollah engaging in frequent clashes with Israel.
France, Jordan, and Turkiye have updated their travel advisories, urging their citizens to leave Lebanon while flights are still available.
The US has deployed a carrier strike group and other military assets to the region, preparing for possible Iranian retaliation.
White House Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer said the US and Israel are preparing for “every possibility.”
Meanwhile, in response to the heightened tensions, Israelis are stocking up on supplies and preparing bomb shelters.
