The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon has posted a video warning American citizens to leave the country as soon as possible as the country prepares to retaliate against Lebanon-based, Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists for a rocket attack that killed 12 people at a children’s soccer field over the weekend.
The move comes as Air France has suspended flights to and from Beirut over fears of a major war breaking out, with German airlines Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines and Eurowings also suspending operations.
“We encourage Americans to develop crisis action plans and depart the country before a crisis begins,” said Lena Bitter, assistant secretary for consular affairs at the U.S. Department of State. He said in the video. “While local communications and transportation infrastructure is healthy and functioning properly, scheduled commercial transport will always be the best option.”
“If commercial air becomes unavailable, people already in Lebanon need to prepare to be sheltered in place for an extended period of time,” she warned.
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Deputy Secretary of State Lena Vitter has warned US citizens to leave Lebanon as Israel is expected to strike back against Hezbollah over a rocket attack on Lebanese territory over the weekend. (U.S. Embassy in Lebanon | Gil Eliyahu)
“I want to assure you that Washington remains fully committed to Lebanon,” Bittar added. “There is no higher priority for the State Department than the safety and security of American citizens overseas.”
She encouraged Americans living in Lebanon to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive travel alerts.
“And finally, if your relatives were planning to visit you in Lebanon this summer, we urge them to reconsider their trip given the potential difficulties in their departure if conflict escalates in the region,” Bitter concluded.
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Security forces and medical personnel evacuate the wounded from the site of a rocket attack in the Israeli village of Majdal Shams on July 27. (Jallah Marri/AFP via Getty Images)
In a separate message on Sunday, the U.S. embassy in Lebanon urged “U.S. nationals traveling to or from Lebanon to closely monitor flight status, be aware that travel itineraries may change with little or no notice, and make alternative plans.”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a drone strike in southern Lebanon early Monday, reportedly killing two Hezbollah terrorists.
The Israel Defense Forces has not commented on the attack, but it came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a three-hour cabinet meeting on Sunday in which ministers authorized the prime minister and defense minister to decide “how and when” to respond militarily to Hezbollah’s deadly attacks.
The Israel Defense Forces released video on Monday of a Lebanese drone being shot down over Israeli waters.
The Israeli Defense Ministry also said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant discussed Saturday’s rocket attack on the village of Majdal Shams with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday.
Israel is preparing to respond to the rocket attacks it blames on Hezbollah. (Ala Murray/AFP via Getty Images)
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“Minister Gallant briefed the Secretary of State on the use of an Iranian rocket carrying 50 kilograms of explosives and discussed evidence uncovered by the Israel Defense Forces indicating that Hezbollah was responsible for the attack,” the ministry added.
Fox News’ Benjamin Weinthal contributed to this report.
