The United States Embassy in Beirut has raised its travel advisory in Lebanon to 4 - meaning not to travel to Lebanon, on Saturday.
The Department of State has raised its Lebanon Travel Advisory from Level 3: Reconsider Travel to Level 4: Do Not Travel. We recommend that U.S. citizens enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts. https://t.co/vE02vvquJg pic.twitter.com/7baXCRN5oV
— U.S. Embassy Beirut (@usembassybeirut) July 31, 2024
The embassy also noted that several airlines have suspended, booked up, or canceled flights to the country.
The announcement comes after tensions have risen between the Hezbollah terrorist group based in the country and its southern neighbor Israel after the former murdered 12 Druze children last week in Majdal Shams, with Israel responding by eliminating a Hezbollah top official Fuad Shukr.
UK also issues statement to avoid traveling to the country
Shortly after the American announcement, the British Embassy in Beirut also issued a statement advising against any travel to Lebanon and that "British nationals in the country should register their presence" with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for further information.
TRAVEL UPDATEIf you are a British national in Lebanon, you should register your presence to receive the latest TA advice ⬇️https://t.co/Itrmq4akeaThe FCDO advises against all travel to Lebanon. You should leave while commercial flights remain available. pic.twitter.com/lULZ5Mk4B2
— UK in Lebanon (@ukinlebanon) August 3, 2024
"You should all leave while commercial flights remain available," the embassy said.
Later on Saturday, the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement warning its citizens not to travel to Lebanon and calling on those who are currently in the country to leave it.
This is a developing story.