BEIRUT: The United States and the United Kingdom embassies in Beirut on Saturday urged their citizens in Lebanon to evacuate immediately due to escalating fears of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah and the potential for a broader regional conflict.
The US embassy in Lebanon urged its citizens to leave Lebanon on “any ticket available”, despite ongoing flight suspensions and cancellations. The embassy’s statement emphasized that commercial transportation options remain open, urging citizens to book any available flights, even if they do not align with their preferred departure times or routes.
“Commercial transportation options to leave Lebanon remain available,” the embassy said. “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.”
The warning comes as tensions continue to rise in the region. The US embassy’s advisory is part of a broader precautionary measure amid fears that the situation could rapidly deteriorate, affecting travel options and safety.
The UK government also urged its citizens in Lebanon to leave the country “immediately.” In a statement released on Saturday, Foreign Minister David Lammy stressed the urgency of the situation, citing heightened tensions and the potential for the conflict to escalate quickly.
“Tensions are high, and the situation could deteriorate rapidly,” Lammy said. “While we are working round the clock to strengthen our consular presence in Lebanon, my message to British nationals there is clear – leave now.”
The UK Foreign Office announced it is enhancing its support for British nationals by deploying additional resources to the region. This includes “border force, consular officials, and military personnel” to offer extra assistance to embassy staff and provide operational support.
The Royal Navy’s landing ships RFA Cardigan Bay and HMS Duncan are already positioned in the eastern Mediterranean to assist with humanitarian needs, while the Royal Air Force has put transport helicopters on standby.
“The potential for exit routes out of Lebanon – including roads – being affected, limited, or closed, due to events escalating with little warning, means that British nationals should act promptly,” the statement added.
