Olde Hornet
Well-Known Member
For just the second time this month, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory.
The Department of State has no higher priority than keeping U.S. citizens safe and secure overseas. With that said, a "Do Not Travel" warning was placed on Iraq on June 11 due to terrorism and civil unrest among other reasons.
Roughly two weeks later, the Department of State warned U.S. citizens to steer clear of Lebanon for similar reasons.
"U.S. citizens in Lebanon should be aware that consular officers from the U.S. Embassy are not always able to travel to assist them. The Department of State considers the threat to U.S. government personnel in Beirut serious enough to require them to live and work under strict security. The internal security policies of the U.S. Embassy may be adjusted at any time and without advance notice," the travel advisory states.
"Since October 8, 2023, cross-border exchanges of fire have occurred between Hizballah and Israel. In some instances, targets have been well north of the border region. A cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon went into effect on November 27, and implementation is ongoing; however, there are continued instances of military activity in some areas of Lebanon. The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict. Family, neighborhood, or sectarian disputes can escalate quickly and can lead to gunfire or other violence with no warning."