US warns against travel to Lebanon; authorizes personnel evacuation

"The Department of State is concerned for the personal safety of American citizens due to the current security situation in Lebanon," it said in a statement.

"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-US demonstrations and American citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence."

The State Department warned that US citizens inside Lebanon 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."

It warned that people should take special care when travelling in the southern suburbs of Beirut, parts of the Bekaa Valley and South Lebanon, and Sidon and Tripoli cities, noting the danger of armed Hezbollah forces and Palestinian groups "hostile to both the Lebanese government and the US" operating from refugee camps inside Lebanon.

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