WASHINGTON: The US State Department has asked its citizens in Lebanon to leave the country while commercial options remain available, amid heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
“Due to the unpredictable nature of the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel and recent explosions throughout Lebanon, including Beirut, the US Embassy urges US citizens to depart Lebanon while commercial options still remain available,” the State Department said in an updated advisory.
“At this time, commercial flights are available, but at reduced capacity. If the security situation worsens, commercial options to depart may become unavailable,” it added.
In July, the United States raised its travel advisory for Lebanon to its highest level advising citizens not to travel to Lebanon after a strike on southern Beirut killed a top Hezbollah commander. Israel on Friday hit southern Beirut again, saying this time it had killed the head of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force and many other commanders.
READ ALSO: Israel Kills Top Hezbollah Leader in Beirut Strike
According to the Lebanese health ministry, 37 people were killed in the strike, which followed sabotage attacks on pagers and two-way radios used by Hezbollah, which killed dozens and injured thousands.
Hezbollah has accused Israel of the attacks. Hezbollah fighters have exchanged cross-border fire with Israel for nearly a year in support of Palestinian ally Hamas.
The US State Department has reiterated that Americans must leave southern Lebanon immediately, as well as areas near the Syrian border and refugee settlements.
