Amid escalating regional tensions in West Asia, the United States and the United Kingdom have urgently advised their citizens to leave Lebanon. On Saturday, August 3, the US embassy in Lebanon urged all American nationals to depart the country immediately using “any available ticket.”
US embassy urges immediate departure
The US embassy emphasized that “commercial transportation options to leave Lebanon remain available” despite some flight cancellations. “We encourage those who wish to depart Lebanon to book any ticket available to them, even if that flight does not depart immediately or does not follow their first-choice route,” the embassy stated.
UK government issues similar advisory
Echoing the US, the UK government also issued a similar advisory. “Tensions are high, and the situation could deteriorate rapidly,” Foreign Minister David Lammy said in a statement. “While we are working round the clock to strengthen our consular presence in Lebanon, my message to British nationals there is clear – leave now.”
Sweden closes embassy in Beirut
Earlier, Sweden announced the closure of its embassy in Beirut, citing concerns that the ongoing Gaza conflict could spill over into Lebanon. This move highlights the growing anxiety among international communities about the escalating violence in the region.
Regional tensions and military deployments
The recent assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, for which Israel has been blamed, have further inflamed regional tensions. In response, the US has heightened its alert status, deploying additional warships and fighter jets to West Asia to support Israel against potential attacks from Iranian proxies.
Earlier this week, the Indian embassy in Beirut also advised Indian nationals to leave Lebanon as soon as possible. “In view of the recent escalations in the region, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Lebanon,” the embassy stated. It urged Indians in Lebanon to exercise caution, limit their movements, and remain in contact with the embassy via email at cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128. Australia and Canada have joined the US, UK, and India in urging their citizens to leave Lebanon. This unified call from multiple nations underscores the severe and volatile nature of the current situation in West Asia.