The US Embassy in Lebanon issued a security warning early on Monday, urging American citizens to evacuate Lebanon before commercial flights are suspended. This comes after Hezbollah in Lebanon launched attacks on Israel, prompting Israeli retaliation.
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, Israeli overnight airstrikes in the outskirts of Beirut and southern Lebanon have resulted in at least 31 deaths and 149 injuries. On March 2, the Lebanese government condemned the involvement of the Iran-backed Hezbollah in the conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States, calling the actions of the militant group illegal and demanding the surrender of its weapons.
The US Embassy in Lebanon issued a security warning on March 2, stating, “The security situation in Lebanon is volatile and unpredictable. Airstrikes have impacted the entire country, especially in the south, the Bekaa Valley, and parts of Beirut,” and advised American citizens to avoid traveling to Lebanon.
The embassy strongly recommended that American citizens in southern Lebanon, near the Syrian border, refugee camps, and the Dahiyeh area of Beirut, should leave these areas immediately.
For American citizens unable to evacuate, the US Embassy in Lebanon advised them to develop an “emergency contingency plan and prepare to shelter in place as the situation may further deteriorate.”
The embassy specifically warned that these emergency plans should not rely on the US government for assistance in departure or evacuation.
The announcement stated, “Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport is currently open, and commercial flights are still available for booking, but flights may be canceled at any time. Please check flight options at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport.”
The announcement also urged American citizens not to go to the US Embassy in Lebanon until further notice. “Consular services are suspended,” and “the embassy is currently unable to provide assistance to American citizens in Lebanon.”
In addition to Lebanon, the US Embassy in Bahrain advised American citizens on Monday to remain vigilant, listen for loud bangs or sirens, seek shelter, be aware of falling debris in case of missile attacks, and avoid participating in large gatherings. The embassy also noted that its embassy in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, will remain closed until further notice.
Over the weekend, the US State Department issued a global alert to American citizens worldwide due to military strikes targeting Iran. The action was initiated early last Saturday, followed by Tehran launching rockets and drones at neighboring countries and Israel in retaliation.
The escalation on Monday marked Hezbollah’s first claim of responsibility for launching attacks against Israel in over a year.
Hezbollah’s statement claimed that the attack was in retaliation for the killing of Iranian leader Soleimani and “repeated Israeli aggressions,” describing it as a “legitimate defensive response.”
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam criticized Hezbollah following an emergency cabinet meeting on Monday, stating that the state has the sole authority to decide on matters of war and peace.
The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings to residents of approximately 50 communities in southern and eastern Lebanon during the night.
Israeli military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin stated that Israel retains “all options,” including the possibility of launching a ground invasion of Lebanon, and warned that “Hezbollah will pay an extremely heavy price.”