From CNN’s Chris Boyette, Dhruv Tikekar, Sharon Braithwaite and Manveena Suri,
US and several other countries warn against travel to Lebanon as IDF says Hezbollah skirmishes have escalated |
Several countries are urging their citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon.
Since last Saturday, at least 13 people have been killed as fighting continues on Lebanon’s southern border with Israel where Hezbollah holds sway. In recent days, there has been a “significant escalation” by Hezbollah in its skirmishes with Israel, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus told CNN's John Vause on Thursday.
Australia: Australia issued a “do not travel” advisory for Lebanon on Thursday, according to an update posted on its government travel website. |
“We've updated our travel advice for Lebanon and now advise do not travel due to the volatile security situation and the risk of the security situation deteriorating further,” the advisory read. “Terrorist attacks could occur anytime and anywhere, including in Beirut."
The advisory added that in a “deteriorating security situation,” the government’s ability to assist citizens to depart Lebanon will be “very limited.”
UK: The UK Foreign Office updated its travel guidance on Wednesday, advising against all travel to Lebanon. |
"You are advised against all travel to the whole of Lebanon. If you are currently in Lebanon, we encourage you to leave now while commercial options remain available," the FCDO said in its latest update.
France: France on Wednesday also advised against travel to Lebanon amid "security tensions in the region.” |
US: On Tuesday, the US Department of State issued a travel advisory raising Lebanon’s status to Level 4: Do Not Travel, citing “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges between Israel and Hizballah or other armed militant factions.”
The advisory came a day before Pro-Palestinian demonstrators had skirmishes with police near the US Embassy in Awkar, which is just north of the capital Beirut.
Canada: The Canadian government warned its citizens to avoid all travel to Lebanon “due to a deteriorating security situation, civil unrest, the increased risk of terrorist attack and the ongoing armed conflict with Israel.” |
Canada issued the travel notice Monday night, advising citizens the security situation in Lebanon was "volatile" and could deteriorate without warning. Source: CNN News
