US State Department warns Americans not to travel to Lebanon due to Israel-Hamas war

• US issues travel advisory for Lebanon.
• Protests at the US Embassy after bombing in Gaza.
• US citizens are not safe in the region.

On Tuesday, October 17, the United States issued the highest level of travel advisory, urging citizens not to travel to Lebanon.

This is due to unpredictability in the region amid the Israel-Hamas war.

All non-emergency US government personnel have been urged to leave the country.

This is in response to the danger amid the exchanges of rockets, missiles and artillery between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as other armed factions.

Protestors block access to the US Embassy in Lebanon

Tensions have escalated in the region following the bombing that resulted in the tragic loss of more than 500 lives at a Gaza hospital.

As a consequence, several parts of Lebanon witnessed spontaneous protests on Tuesday night in condemnation of these attacks, according to The Washington Post.

One of these demonstrations headed towards the US Embassy, ​​prompting Lebanese security forces to cut off access and reinforce the area.

Access to the US diplomatic legation in Awkar, east of Beirut, was blocked by the Lebanese Army and law enforcement.

Authorities warn of demonstrations

The protesters, mostly carrying Palestinian flags, expressed their anger by throwing stones and Molotov cocktails, starting a fire near the Embassy.

The US State Department issued a statement, warning US citizens about the demonstrations.

They also pointed out that violence could arise as a result of the recent escalation of tensions in Israel and Gaza.

People were urged to be especially cautious in large gatherings or protests, given the potential threats of violence.

US issues travel advisory for Lebanon

According to The Washington Post, the blockade of important roads, including the roads to the center of Beirut, has generated an even more tense environment.

This involves the area where the US Embassy is located, as well as between Beirut and the Rafic Hariri international airport.

The State Department, in the face of growing insecurity in the region, strongly recommended reconsidering any travel plans to Lebanon.

They highlight potential threats related to terrorism, civil unrest, armed conflict, crime and kidnappings.

What are the risks?

The warning specifically included a suggestion to avoid traveling to the borders with Syria and Israel due to the risk of terrorism and armed conflict.

In addition, emphasis was placed on the possibility of terrorist attacks in tourist places, transport hubs, markets and shopping centers.

Authorities emphasized that attacks could occur with virtually no warning.

The Lebanese government, due to the current volatile situation, cannot guarantee the protection of American citizens from possible outbreaks of violence.

Other protests in the region

It was stressed that US citizens who decide to travel to Lebanon should be aware that the US Embassy cannot always provide assistance in a timely manner.

Those residing in the country are urged to review and strengthen their personal security plans.

According to the Daily Mail, the riots in front of the Embassy continued on Wednesday morning.

However, they are not the only incidents affecting US agencies in the area.

A US Consulate in Turkey closes

According to the Daily Mail, protesters reportedly threw fireworks and Molotov cocktails in Adana, Turkey.

The protesters were present on Tuesday night chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ and it is reported that the US Consulate in Adana is closed.

The US Army  managed to intercept two drone attacks aimed at US bases in Iraq at night.

Wednesday’s demonstrations took place while president Joe Biden showed his support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel with a hug.