US Embassy warns citizens of possible attacks in Lebanon

The U.S. Embassy said Friday it had received reports of an increased possibility of attacks against its citizens in Lebanon. In a circular to U.S. citizens registered with the embassy, a statement said: “Possible threats include kidnapping, the potential for an upsurge in violence, the escalation of family or neighborhood disputes, as well as U.S. citizens being the targets of terrorist attacks in Lebanon.” The statement also encouraged U.S. citizens in Lebanon to “take additional security precautions.” It added that citizens should “assess their personal security, vary travel routes, exercise caution, take appropriate measures to ensure their safety, and report any suspicious or unusual activity immediately to authorities.” The embassy routinely sends out messages to its citizens, and Friday urged people to consult the U.S. State Department’s latest travel warning for Lebanon, issued in May. Issued after the shooting of two sheikhs in northern Lebanon, that report said tensions in Lebanon remained high, and the “potential for protests, road closures, and other violent incidents remains. The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to continue to monitor news reports, avoid areas where disturbances are reported, and be vigilant about personal security.” The May 28 briefing also warned, “U.S. citizens living and working in Lebanon should understand that they accept risks in remaining and should carefully consider those risks,” and urged other U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to the country. (daily star)