U.S. citizens in Lebanon are strongly advised to leave while commercial flights are still operating.
The U.S. government has issued an updated travel advisory urging all American citizens in Lebanon to depart while commercial flights are still available. This comes amid escalating tensions between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel, raising concerns about potential further escalation of conflict.
Major airlines have either delayed or canceled flights to and from Beirut and Tel Aviv airports following the explosions of Hezbollah members’ pagers this week. Some airlines have even suspended operations into next year. The State Department cautioned that further disruptions to air travel are expected.
“Commercial flights are currently operating at reduced capacity,” stated the federal agency. “If the security situation deteriorates, commercial departure options may become unavailable.”
For those choosing to stay in Lebanon, the State Department recommended preparing to shelter in place if conditions worsen further. It also noted that in such a scenario, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut may not be able to provide assistance.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Friday that a targeted strike had killed Ibrahim Aqil, a prominent member of Hezbollah’s highest military body, the Jihad Council, and head of the elite Radwan Forces. Aqil was believed to be responsible for the 1983 suicide bomb attack on the U.S. Embassy in Beirut and the bombing of a U.S. Marine compound in Beirut later that year.
Aqil, 61, was the second high-ranking Hezbollah commander to be killed in an Israeli airstrike in the terrorist group’s stronghold in southern Beirut.
“The IDF will continue to dismantle and weaken Hezbollah’s capabilities and terrorist infrastructure,” the IDF declared.
This recent escalation in fighting between Hezbollah and Israel began on October 8, 2023, following regular exchanges of fire after terrorist groups in Gaza invaded Israel, sparking the ongoing conflict in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
On July 30, Israel conducted an airstrike that killed Fuad Shukr, a founding member of Hezbollah’s armed wing. Shukr was held responsible for a previous rocket attack that resulted in the deaths of 12 children playing football in the Israel-controlled Golan Heights.
The State Department raised its travel advisory for Lebanon to level 4, “Do Not Travel,” on July 31, citing the escalating tensions between Hezbollah and Israel. The advisory remains in effect.
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