American citizens have been warned not to travel to Lebanon due to unrest in the Middle East.
The U.S State Department issued its highest “Level 4 travel” advisory on Tuesday citing “the volatile and unpredictable security situation in the region.”
It comes two weeks after a “do not travel” warning had been placed on Iraq on June 11 due to the dangers posed by terrorism and civil unrest.
Why It Matters
A level-4 travel advisory is the State Department’s highest and is only issued “due to life-threatening risks.” As of Wednesday, these warnings were in place for 21 countries, including Afghanistan, Belarus and Russia.
The warning about Lebanon referred to cross-border exchanges of fire have occurred between Hezbollah and Israel since the Hamas attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
But there are growing tensions in the region following U.S. attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities last weekend. President Donald Trump has touted the success of the strikes which followed Israel’s launch on June 13 of Operation Rising Lion which aimed to stop Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.
Although a peace agreement appears to be holding, the latest travel advisory adds to a climate of concern about possible reprisals targeting U.S. citizens in the region.
What To Know
On Tuesday, the State Department issued a level 4 travel advisory for Lebanon because since October 2023, cross-border exchanges of fire have occurred between Hezbollah and Israel, sometimes with targets well north of the border.
It said on June 22 that family members and non-emergency U.S. government personnel from Lebanon were ordered to leave “due to the volatile and unpredictable security situation in the region.”
Despite a cessation of hostilities since November 27, there are continued instances of military activity in some parts of Lebanon, the government of which cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens, it said.
The advisory also said terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Lebanon, which could target tourist locations and transport hubs with little or no warning.
It comes two weeks after non-emergency U.S. government personnel had to leave Iraq due to heightened regional tensions and Americans were advised not to travel to the country.
The warning issue June 11 said terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attacked Iraqi security forces and civilians and anti-U.S. militias threatened U.S. citizens and international companies.
There was also an update to the Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Travel Advisory this month, due to the authorized departure of family members of U.S. government employees and some non-emergency U.S. government employees.
Another travel advisory for the region updated this month was for Israel. On June 14, the State Department authorized the voluntary departure of family members and non-emergency U.S. government employees due to the volatile and unpredictable security situation in the region.
The advisory said that the U.S. Embassy may further restrict or prohibit U.S. government employees and their family members from traveling to certain areas of Israel, the Old City of Jerusalem, and the West Bank.
What People Are Saying
U.S. State Department advisory: “Do not travel to Lebanon due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, unexploded landmines, and the risk of armed conflict. Some areas, especially near the borders, have increased risk.”
What Happens Next
Iran and Israel appear to have ceased hostilities although concern will remain over whether the ceasefire can hold and whether American military assets and citizens in the region could be under threat.
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