Lebanon, U.S. Embassy warns citizens of possible terrorist attacks
“Following recent bombings in Beirut
and other instances of violence that have occurred in Lebanon in
recent months, the U.S. government strongly urges U.S. citizens in
Lebanon to exercise extreme caution and to avoid hotels, western-style
shopping centers, including western-style grocery chain stores, and any
public or social events where U.S. citizens normally congregate, as
these sites are likely targets for terrorist attacks for at least the
near term,” the statement read.
“The U.S. Embassy
further urges all U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to Lebanon due
to safety and security concerns,” said the statement, which was also
tweeted by the official embassy Twitter account.
“ U.S. citizens living and working in Lebanon should understand that
they accept risks in remaining and should carefully consider those
risks,” it continued. “The ability of U.S. government personnel to
reach travelers to provide emergency services may be limited.”
Sunday’s cautionary notice was more specific than general warnings
issued in the past, but an embassy spokeswoman emphasized that the
intention was to increase awareness, not induce panic.
“I can’t comment on specific intelligence,” she told The Daily Star.
“We have very good relations with Lebanese security offices and we work
together.”
“We do not say there is going to be an attack,” she said, adding that
the statement was jointly drafted by the embassy in Beirut and the
U.S. State Department.
Regarding the singling out of hotels and Western-style
establishments, the spokeswoman said: “These are places where
traditionally, U.S. citizens may congregate ... we want them to be
vigilant when visiting these places.”
She said the statement reflected the unpredictable nature of recent
violent attacks, including the bombing just over a week ago in Downtown
Beirut, an area that, until recently, was considered relatively safe.
“We just want to make Americans aware that really, no place is off-limits,” she said.
The U.S. Embassy’s statement follows decisions by a number of
countries, many of them in the Gulf, to renew or issue their own travel
warnings. Over the weekend, the Kuwaiti Embassy
called on its citizens to leave. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab
Emirates have also asked their citizens to leave the country for their
own safety.
Source Daily Star
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