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US, UK ask their nationals to leave Lebanon immediately amid heightened tensions

Published On: August 4, 2024 11:55 AM NPT By: Agencies

BEIRUT, Aug 4: Amid heightened regional tensions in West Asia, the United States and the United Kingdom on Saturday (Aug 3) urged their citizens to leave Lebanon. The US embassy in Lebanon asked all of its nationals to leave the country immediately using "any available ticket."

The US embassy said that "commercial transportation options to leave Lebanon remain available" despite 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 US embassy added.

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."

Earlier, Sweden announced the closure of its embassy in Beirut amid concerns that the Gaza war could spill over into Lebanon's territory.

The recent killings of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, for which Israel has been blamed, have led to increased tensions in the region. The US is also on high alert, having deployed additional warships and fighter jets in West Asia to help Israel defend itself in the event of attacks from Iranian proxies.

Earlier this week, the Indian embassy in Beirut also asked Indian nationals to leave the West Asian country 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 said in a statement. “All Indian nationals in Lebanon are advised to exercise caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Beirut through their email id: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128,” the Indian embassy stated.

Australia and Canada have also urged their citizens to leave the country.