The Department of State urged American citizens to leave Lebanon immediately while flight options are still available, according to a bulletin released on Monday morning, as Lebanon’s Hezbollah launched strikes on Israel that prompted a response.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported at least 31 people were killed and 149 wounded in overnight Israeli strikes in the Beirut suburbs and southern Lebanon. On March 2, the Lebanese government criticized Iran-aligned Hezbollah’s decision to enter Iran’s war with Israel and the United States, calling the militant group’s actions illegal and demanding it hand over its weapons.
“ The security situation in Lebanon is volatile and unpredictable. Airstrikes have occurred throughout the country, especially in the south, the Beqaa, and parts of Beirut,” the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon said in a statement on Monday, adding that citizens are advised not to travel to the country.
Citizens who are in southern Lebanon near the borders with Syria, in refugee settlements, and in the Dahiyeh neighborhood of Beirut should immediately leave those areas, the alert said.
Americans who don’t leave the country should develop “contingency plans for emergency situations and be prepared to shelter in place should the situation deteriorate further,” it said.
Any alternative plans shouldn’t rely on the U.S. government for assistance in departing or evacuating the country, the embassy warned.
“Beirut-Rafic Hariri airport remains open and there is availability on commercial carriers, however flights may be cancelled at any time,” it stated. “Please check flight options at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport .”
U.S. citizens should also not go to the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon until further notice is given, the statement said.
Aside from Lebanon, the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain said on Monday that Americans are advised to be on alert for loud explosions or loud sirens, seek cover, be aware of falling debris if missiles are fired, and avoid large gatherings, among other points. The U.S. Embassy in the Bahraini capital Manama will remain closed until further notice, it added.
Over the weekend, the State Department issued a worldwide caution alert for U.S. citizens anywhere in the world due to the military strikes against Iran, which started early Saturday morning and prompted Tehran to fire rockets and drones into neighboring countries, as well as Israel.
Monday’s escalation marked the first time in more than a year that Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for firing into Israel.
Hezbollah said in a statement that the strikes were carried out in retaliation for the killing of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, and for “repeated Israeli aggressions,” describing it as “a legitimate defensive response.”
While criticizing Hezbollah, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said, after an emergency cabinet meeting on Monday, that only the state should decide on matters of war and peace.
Overnight, the Israeli military issued a warning for residents of around 50 communities across southern and eastern Lebanon to evacuate.
Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said Israel is keeping “all options on the table,” including a potential ground invasion of Lebanon, and threatened that “Hezbollah will pay a very heavy price.”
Top U.S. officials, including Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, gave an update on Monday morning that it would take time for the United States to achieve its objectives in Iran.
Hegseth also confirmed that four Americans have been killed since the operation started and indicated that additional losses are expected.
“This is not endless war,” Hegseth said in a news conference. “This is not Iraq. This is not nation-building.”
