The US State Department raised its travel alert for Lebanon on Wednesday (October 18) after the security situation in the country deteriorated after rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah.
In a travel advisory, the State Department authorized the voluntary, temporary departure of family members of US government personnel and some non-emergency personnel from the US Embassy in Beirut because of the unpredictable security situation in Lebanon.
"The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the protection of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence," the advisory stated. "Family, neighborhood, or sectarian disputes can escalate quickly and can lead to gunfire or other violence with no warning. Armed clashes have occurred along the borders, in Beirut, and in refugee settlements."
The advisory was released on the same day US President Joe Biden visited Israel.
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Gaza Hospital Blast, Hezbollah Attacks Considered in Advisory
The advisory came after reports of an explosion at the Al-Ahli al-Arabi Baptist Hospital late Tuesday night (October 17), which ignited protests in the West Bank and around the Middle East and the Muslim world, including in Beirut.
It was previously reported that the blast has become a blame game between Israel and Hamas.
Prior to this, the Iran-backed Islamist group Hezbollah ramped up its activity against Israel after Hamas launched its sabbath massacre earlier this month.
The Hill also quoted the advisory stating that protesters have blocked major roads, "including thoroughfares between downtown Beirut and the area where the US Embassy is located, and between Beirut and Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport."
The travel advisory can be viewed here.
