U.S. Embassy in Beirut confirms no evacuation of citizens amidst rising tensions with Hezbollah

The U.S. Embassy in Beirut has not evacuated American citizens in Lebanon amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Commercial flights are available for those wishing to leave the country, but they must arrange and pay for their own travel.

Tensions rise as countries issue warnings and advisories amidst escalating regional conflicts.

The U.S. advises citizens in Lebanon to use commercial options to leave as tensions with Hezbollah and Israel escalate, warning of a "total war."

U.S. Embassy, Beirut, Lebanon, evacuation, Israel, Hezbollah

The U.S. Embassy in Beirut announced on Friday that it has not yet evacuated American citizens from Lebanon despite the growing tensions stemming from the conflict between Israel and the Shiite militia group Hezbollah. The embassy emphasized that there is currently a commercial flight available for U.S. citizens interested in leaving the country, but they must book and pay directly with the airline.

In a statement posted on the social media platform X, the diplomatic mission said, "There is a commercial flight available that U.S. citizens who have expressed an interest in leaving Lebanon will have to book and pay directly with the airline."

The U.S. State Department issued a Level 4 travel alert for Lebanon last Saturday. The alert strongly advises American nationals to avoid travel to Lebanon or, if already in the country, to leave as soon as possible "through commercial options while they are available." The advisory reflects the increasing concern over the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon, with the potential for further escalation of hostilities in the region.

On the other hand, Lebanese authorities have sounded the alarm, stating that the country faces a potential "total war" situation due to Israeli military actions. They estimate that since October of last year, more than 1,500 people have died due to ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah on both sides of the border. This growing death toll highlights the severe impact of the conflict and the looming humanitarian crisis in the region.

As tensions rise, the situation remains volatile. The U.S. Embassy's advice for citizens to use commercial means to exit Lebanon underlines the gravity of the conflict and the uncertainty of future developments.