Following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli attack, the State Department strengthened its travel advisory to Lebanon and renewed calls for Americans to leave the country.
The latest advisory, issued Saturday, ordered the departure of family members of non-mission employees and allowed the departure of family members of mission employees and non-essential employees.
“Due to the heightened instability following the airstrikes inside Beirut and the volatile and unpredictable security situation across Lebanon, the U.S. Embassy urges U.S. nationals to leave Lebanon while commercial options still remain. I'm calling,” he said. statement Read.
Hezbollah leaders confirmed the killing of their leader on Saturday after the Israel Defense Forces said Nasrallah was killed in an airstrike on the Lebanese capital's suburb of Dahien. Nasrallah's death is a major blow to the terrorist organization, which has been attacking Israel since October 8.
Embassy urges Americans remaining in Lebanon to prepare to evacuate to designated locations and “strongly” encourages nationals in southern Lebanon to leave the area immediately following recent strikes did.
Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, President Biden issued a statement declaring Nasrallah's death “an act of justice” and reiterating his support for Israel.
Biden: “Hassan Nasrallah and his terrorist organization Hezbollah are responsible for killing hundreds of Americans during their 40-year reign of terror.'' I wrote. “His death in an Israeli airstrike is a measure of justice for his many victims, including thousands of Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese civilians.”
U.S. officials first called on Americans to leave Lebanon after a spate of pager attacks in the region last week left dozens dead and thousands injured.
