US embassy alert
[note that the word “Israel” does not appear in this document]
http://lebanon.usembassy.gov/lebanon/TravelWarning071406.html
public annoucements and warden messages
Travel Warning - Lebanon July 14, 2006
July 14, 2006 Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520
This information is current as of today, Fri Jul 14 08:35:00 2006.
LEBANON
July 13, 2006
This Travel Warning is being updated to alert American citizens that,
due to ongoing security concerns in Lebanon, the U.S. Embassy has
been granted authorized departure status. Family members and non-
emergency American employees have permission to depart Lebanon.
American citizens are urged to evaluate their personal security
posture and consider departing in light of the current situation in
Lebanon. The Department of State urges American citizens to defer
travel to Lebanon. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued on May
2, 2006.
The Department of State is concerned for the personal safety of
American citizens due to the current security situation in Lebanon.
In light of the events of July 12 in Southern Lebanon and the
resulting escalation in tensions in Lebanon, including the closure of
Beirut International Airport and the Port of Beirut, American
citizens are urged to avoid non-essential travel in Lebanon. There
remains the possibility of anti-U.S. demonstrations and American
citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be
peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into
violence. American citizens should avoid any areas where
demonstrations are possible and exercise caution if within the
vicinity of any demonstrations. U.S. citizens in Lebanon are
encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Beirut where they may
also obtain updated information on travel and security in Lebanon.
See registration details below.
Events in Lebanon underscore the need for caution and sound personal
security precautions. Since March 2005, there have been 13 separate
bombings in Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people
and injuries to more than 100 others.
American citizens should keep a low profile, varying times and routes
for all required travel. Americans should also pay close attention to
their personal security at locations where Westerners are generally
known to congregate, and should avoid demonstrations and large
gatherings.
U.S. citizens who are in Lebanon despite this Travel Warning should
exercise heightened caution when traveling in parts of the southern
suburbs of Beirut, portions of the Bekaa Valley and South Lebanon,
and the cities of Sidon and Tripoli. Hizballah has not been disarmed,
it maintains a strong presence in many of these areas, and there is
the potential for action by other extremist groups in Tripoli.
Palestinian groups hostile to both the Lebanese government and the
U.S. operate largely autonomously inside refugee camps in different
areas of the country. Intra-communal violence within the camps has
resulted in violent incidents such as shootings and explosions.
Occasionally this violence spills over into neighboring cities and
towns.
Dangers posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance throughout south
Lebanon are significant and also exist in other areas where civil war
fighting was intense. Travelers should be aware of posted landmine
warnings and strictly avoid all areas where landmines and unexploded
ordnance may be present.
The Embassy is located in Awkar, near Antelias, Beirut, Lebanon.
Public access hours for American citizens are Monday through
Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. However, American citizens who
require emergency services outside of these hours may contact the
Embassy by telephone at any time. The telephone numbers are (961-4)
542-600, 543-600, and fax 544-209. American citizens may register
with the Embassy online by visiting https://
travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs. Information on consular services
and registration can also be found at http://lebanon.usembassy.gov or
by phone at the above telephone numbers between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00
p.m., Monday through Friday local time.
Updated information on travel and security in Lebanon may be obtained
from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the
United States or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. Additional details
can be found in the Department of State’s Consular Information Sheet
for Lebanon, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, the Middle
East and North Africa Public Announcement and the Travel Publication
A Safe Trip Abroad, all of which are available on the Department’s
Internet site at http://travel.state.gov.