Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Bombing in Lebanon
December 27, 2013
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut advises U.S. citizens in Lebanon of the bombing today in Beirut that caused at least eight deaths and left more than 70 wounded. Although there is no indication that U.S. citizens or interests were targets of this attack, this bombing follows the November 19 bombing of the Iranian Embassy in the southern suburb of Beirut that resulted in at least 23 dead and 100 injured, and other bombings and security incidents that occurred in Lebanon in recent months.
In light of these recent security incidents, the U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens in Lebanon to exercise heightened security awareness of their surroundings at all times, and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and security. Spontaneous demonstrations, neighborhood and sectarian disputes can escalate quickly, leading to gunfire and other violence with little or no warning. Be conscious of your personal security at all times. The Embassy urges all U.S. citizens in Lebanon to monitor the media for the latest developments.
The U.S. Embassy further urges all U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to Lebanon due to safety and security concerns. The current travel warning can be seen at this link: Travel Warning for Lebanon. U.S. citizens living and working in Lebanon should understand that they accept risks in remaining and should carefully consider those risks. The ability of U.S. government personnel to reach travelers to provide emergency services may be limited.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Lebanon enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don't have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department's website, Travel.State.Gov, where you can find current Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Lebanon, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. You can also read the Country Specific Information for Lebanon from within this website. For additional information, refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" on the State Department's website.
Contact the U.S. Embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler App available through iTunes and Google Play to have travel information at your fingertips.
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut Lebanon is located at Awkar facing the Municipality, PO Box 70-840, Beirut and is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM, (961) (4) 542600 or (961) (4) 543600. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy is (961) (4) 542600 or (961) (4) 543600. For further information, U.S. citizens may also access our website at Embassy in Lebanon.
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut advises U.S. citizens in Lebanon of the bombing today in Beirut that caused at least eight deaths and left more than 70 wounded. Although there is no indication that U.S. citizens or interests were targets of this attack, this bombing follows the November 19 bombing of the Iranian Embassy in the southern suburb of Beirut that resulted in at least 23 dead and 100 injured, and other bombings and security incidents that occurred in Lebanon in recent months.
In light of these recent security incidents, the U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens in Lebanon to exercise heightened security awareness of their surroundings at all times, and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and security. Spontaneous demonstrations, neighborhood and sectarian disputes can escalate quickly, leading to gunfire and other violence with little or no warning. Be conscious of your personal security at all times. The Embassy urges all U.S. citizens in Lebanon to monitor the media for the latest developments.
The U.S. Embassy further urges all U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to Lebanon due to safety and security concerns. The current travel warning can be seen at this link: Travel Warning for Lebanon. U.S. citizens living and working in Lebanon should understand that they accept risks in remaining and should carefully consider those risks. The ability of U.S. government personnel to reach travelers to provide emergency services may be limited.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Lebanon enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don't have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department's website, Travel.State.Gov, where you can find current Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Lebanon, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. You can also read the Country Specific Information for Lebanon from within this website. For additional information, refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" on the State Department's website.
Contact the U.S. Embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler App available through iTunes and Google Play to have travel information at your fingertips.
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut Lebanon is located at Awkar facing the Municipality, PO Box 70-840, Beirut and is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM, (961) (4) 542600 or (961) (4) 543600. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy is (961) (4) 542600 or (961) (4) 543600. For further information, U.S. citizens may also access our website at Embassy in Lebanon.
posted by DELTA BLOG at 11:15 AM
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