Lebanonupdated 1h ago2 min read
Archive photoU.S. Embassy In Beirut Warns Americans Not To Travel, Citing Houthi Attack Risk
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US Embassy Beirut warns Americans not to travel to Lebanon due to drone strikes. Americans in southern Beirut suburbs and near the Syrian border urged to depart.
5 outlets told this the same way.
Beirut Travel Warning
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut updated its warning to American citizens not to travel to Lebanon, citing Iran’s efforts to target American officials and the escalating possibility of a militant attack by the Houthis in the region.
The embassy reiterated that Americans faced risks from landmines, terrorism, crime, and armed conflict, and it warned of possible drone and missile attacks on the rest of Lebanese territory including Beirut.
The embassy classified southern Lebanon, the Syrian border, the southern suburb of Beirut, and refugee camps as highly dangerous areas, urging American citizens located there to leave quickly.
The U.S. State Department reiterated its longstanding recommendation that U.S. citizens not travel to Lebanon, warning that "drone and missile strikes may occur throughout the country, including in Beirut."
Level 4 and Areas
The U.S. State Department kept Lebanon at Level 4, the highest level, meaning Americans are advised not to travel there for any reason.
The embassy urged Americans in the southern suburbs of Beirut, southern Lebanon, areas near the Syrian border, and refugee camps to depart immediately, describing those areas as "particularly dangerous".
The embassy warned that hostilities could disrupt commercial flights and access to Beirut’s airport, and it warned that drone and missile strikes could occur throughout Lebanon.
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut also warned of a risk of terrorist attacks without prior notice, which could target tourist sites, transportation hubs, markets, and facilities run by local authorities.
Regional Escalation Fears
The U.S. warning tied its Lebanon risk assessment to Iranian-backed Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including strikes targeting civilian airports and other critical infrastructure.
The U.S. intelligence chief Jay Clayton said Iran had "significantly stepped up" efforts to target Americans in the Middle East and beyond, and he told Secretary of State Marco Rubio that "Iranian plots for lethal attacks against American citizens have reached an advanced stage".
The National reported that a State Department official said the advisories were "not indicative of new capabilities from the Houthis, but reflect the strikes we have seen over recent days".
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut urged Americans to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts, to follow local media, to avoid protests and gatherings, and to have emergency departure plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.